Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 25 September 2024.
Colin Beattie
Scottish National Party
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Midlothian and East Lothian councils regarding the financial impact of national policies, in light of reports of their constrained budgets. (S6O-03762)
Shona Robison
Scottish National Party
Following discussions with Midlothian and East Lothian councils, I used the limited discretion that is available to ministers to adjust the local government distribution funding floor for this year’s budget. That ensures that funding allocations more accurately reflect the latest population census data, which directly benefits both councils. Discussions with both councils continue, alongside discussions with all authorities and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.
Colin Beattie
Scottish National Party
Midlothian and East Lothian are two of the fastest-growing areas in Scotland. In the light of those population changes, how is the Scottish Government ensuring that national policies are equitably funded across all local authorities?
Shona Robison
Scottish National Party
As I referenced in my original answer, the needs-based distribution formula is kept under constant review and uses the most up-to-date data available, including the new census data. As Midlothian and East Lothian council areas have growing populations, they will receive an increased share of the available funding, all other factors being equal.
Any change to the distribution formula more widely would require the agreement of COSLA and the 32 local authorities.
Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask Government Ministers questions. These questions are asked in the Chamber itself and are known as Oral Questions. Members may also put down Written Questions. In the House of Commons, Question Time takes place for an hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after Prayers. The different Government Departments answer questions according to a rota and the questions asked must relate to the responsibilities of the Government Department concerned. In the House of Lords up to four questions may be asked of the Government at the beginning of each day's business. They are known as 'starred questions' because they are marked with a star on the Order Paper. Questions may also be asked at the end of each day's business and these may include a short debate. They are known as 'unstarred questions' and are less frequent. Questions in both Houses must be written down in advance and put on the agenda and both Houses have methods for selecting the questions that will be asked. Further information can be obtained from factsheet P1 at the UK Parliament site.
