6. To ask the Scottish Government when it last met with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to discuss climate adaptation funding. (S6O-02669)

Ministers regularly meet COSLA, including with regard to funding, particularly as we approach a budget period. Most recently, Scottish Government officials met COSLA to discuss climate adaptation on 24 October. At that meeting, a range of issues were covered, including funding and on-going engagement with COSLA ahead of public consultation on the new climate adaptation plan, which will open early next year.

In the past month, we have seen the impact of devastating floods. When we talk to councillor colleagues, they all comment that they are cash strapped and not getting enough support from the Scottish Government. My understanding is that funding for flood defence in Scotland is far lower per capita than it is in England and Wales, and it has flatlined over the past decade. Given the clear cross-party support for action expressed in yesterday’s debate, could the Cabinet secretary say how she intends to ramp up financial support for adaptation investment in our communities?

In yesterday’s debate, the cabinet secretary did not comment on the Scottish Government’s failure to report on progress on flood risk management plans, as is required by the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009. Could she confirm when the Scottish Government will report on that for 2021-22?

There are a number of matters in that question; I will try to answer them all.

I agree with Sarah Boyack that funding for climate adaptation is essential. It is very clear that the future prosperity of our economy, our society and our environment is wrapped up with our ability to adapt to climate change. As we go into the budget period, I will, of course, be arguing very strongly for support for adaptation.

However, I have to point out, as my colleagues will, just how difficult—how unrecognisable, frankly—the public finances are on this side of the pandemic and Brexit.

I point to the £42 million per annum that has been provided to local authorities for flooding for many years and the additional £150 million that we are already making available over the parliamentary session.

An update on the flood risk management cycle development is pending and I will bring it to Parliament as soon as I can.