Siobhian Brown: I share Mark Ruskell’s concerns. Since 2023, there have been 1,200 fires across the UK, which is an increase of 71 per cent from 2022; we have had four such fires in Scotland. I am in agreement with Mark Ruskell.
Siobhian Brown: As I said to Paul O’Kane’s colleague Neil Bibby earlier, we will ensure that there is consultation and that information is put out in the public domain. Lessons can be learned. A working group was set up immediately with SEPA, the local health service and the SFRS, and we will continue to engage and let the community know what is happening.
Siobhian Brown: We support Police Scotland and local authorities to continue to invest in prevention, early intervention and diversionary activities to reduce antisocial behaviour. They have a wide range of powers and are best placed to lead on addressing those issues. In addition, an independent working group on antisocial behaviour is currently examining our strategic approach to the issue and...
Siobhian Brown: I would be more than happy to meet Mr O’Kane. The timescale for publication of the work is the end of this year. We have seen an increase in antisocial behaviour in retail areas, and we are working on that. The member might also be interested to know that I have been visiting local authorities and seeing initiatives that operate around the whole of Scotland. I am looking to implement those...
Siobhian Brown: Policing remains a Scottish Government priority. Despite the difficult financial circumstances that have been caused by the UK Government’s austerity policies, the Scottish budget for 2024-25 includes record total funding of £1.55 billion for the police, which, as I have just said, represents an increase of £92.7 million. That increase includes an additional £75.7 million in resource...
Siobhian Brown: I have had several conversations with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport. We must remember that the vast majority of young people who travel by bus behave appropriately. Although the Scottish Government can withdraw or suspend a travel card if a person “knowingly allows” it “to be used by another person”, the legislation that...
Siobhian Brown: I am aware of the position that has been adopted by the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association. Legal aid solicitors play a crucial role in our justice system, which is why, since 2021, there has been investment of £31 million in legal aid. We will continue to work with the legal profession and others to identify measures to improve and reform Scotland’s legal aid system. We will...
Siobhian Brown: The cabinet secretary will consider the stage 1 recommendations from the Criminal Justice Committee and stakeholders.
Siobhian Brown: Yes, the Scottish Government remains committed to the principle of legal aid. We have maintained resourcing of legal aid and have not actually cut its availability. It is a demand-led budget that is directly linked to application numbers; all those who are eligible will continue to benefit from legal aid.
Siobhian Brown: The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 sends a strong message to victims, perpetrators and communities that offences that are motivated by prejudice will not be tolerated. The act consolidates, maintains and extends protections that are aggravated by prejudice, as well as including stirring up of hatred offences for all characteristics covered in the hate crime legislative...
Siobhian Brown: Yes, I agree. We have been told that Police Scotland will consult internally and externally.
Siobhian Brown: Recent Police Scotland data shows that the volume of reports at week 7 has reduced by more than 99 per cent from the first week of the act’s commencement. The fact that we have seen so many reports since implementation reinforces the importance of the hate crime act. Although the commentary surrounding the act during its implementation included misrepresentation, it is important...
