Central Scotland Local Authorities (Meetings)

– in the Scottish Parliament at on 2 December 2020.

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Photo of Monica Lennon Monica Lennon Labour

8. To ask the Scottish Government when it last met with local authorities in the Central Scotland region, and what was discussed. (S5O-04808)

Photo of Aileen Campbell Aileen Campbell Scottish National Party

Ministers and officials regularly meet representatives of all Scottish local authorities to discuss a wide range of issues as part of our commitment to working in partnership with local government to improve outcomes for the people of Scotland. That work of course includes our regular engagement with local authorities on levels of restrictions and protective measures that apply as a result of our efforts to suppress Covid-19.

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

I ask for a brief supplementary and a concise answer, please.

Photo of Monica Lennon Monica Lennon Labour

I am grateful to the cabinet secretary, and I place on record my gratitude to local authority workers.

I am interested to hear the Government’s response to a recent survey carried out by Unison Scotland. It found that only 18 per cent of school cleaners said that they had enough time and the right materials to clean properly. Can the cabinet secretary advise me on how many extra cleaners have been employed in local authorities during the pandemic?

Photo of Aileen Campbell Aileen Campbell Scottish National Party

I do not have that detail to hand, due to the very specific nature of the question. Mindful of the time that we have, I will endeavour to find out some detail on that for Monica Lennon and to follow up on any further questions that she might have, if that will be helpful to her.

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

Thank you—that is indeed helpful.