To ask the Scottish Government what support it can provide to local authorities to help ensure that all residents across the north-east can access local council services, including help when things go wrong, in person as well as online. (S6O-04878)

During 2025-26, local authorities in north-east Scotland will receive more than £1.8 billion to fund local services, which equates to an extra £120 million—or 7 per cent—to support vital day-to-day services compared with 2024-25.

Local authorities are independent corporate bodies with their own powers and responsibilities. However, the Scottish Government will continue to work in partnership with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and individual local authorities to ensure that the people of Scotland continue to receive the high-quality public services that they expect and deserve.

Dundee Pensioners Forum and other organisations are calling for the re-establishment of face-to-face access to local council offices. Limited access has curtailed communities’ opportunities to address potentially complex issues, such as those relating to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete and those associated with the maintenance of homes and the surrounding environment. It also excludes, in particular, those with limited access to information technology or skills. How will the Scottish Government work with councils to enhance that aspect of community engagement to ensure that all residents—regardless of digital access or skills—can get support when they need it?

I am not aware of the specific situation in Dundee that the member refers to. However, the Scottish Government is focused on digital inclusion through its digital strategy and on ensuring that everybody is able to enjoy service provision using digital services is part of that process. Of course, when there are reasons why that is not possible, public bodies should continue to provide services face to face when that is most appropriate. The situation in Dundee is a matter for the council there.