Portfolio Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 26 November 2025.
Humza Yousaf
Scottish National Party
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the health secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding the use of sport to support its goal to reduce child poverty. (S6O-05205)
Maree Todd
Scottish National Party
Eradicating child poverty in Scotland is a national mission and is this Government’s top priority, with ministerial collaboration across portfolios to identify and implement effective measures such as the Scottish child payment.
We know that sport can change lives, creating meaningful and hugely positive opportunities for children who are affected by poverty. The benefit that it delivers can improve children’s and young people’s health and their educational and social outcomes. Through Government and sportscotland-funded initiatives such as active schools, the sport facility funds, the active play development project and the extra time programme, we improve opportunities for children to be active, ensuring that sport continues to contribute to our efforts to tackle child poverty and promote inclusion across Scotland.
Humza Yousaf
Scottish National Party
I thank the Minister for that comprehensive response and I hope that she will also join me in congratulating the efforts of Pollok United, which offers an outstanding range of community services, including the extra time programme, which was mentioned by the minister, parent and toddler groups and groups for older people, in addition to its multiple football sessions for young people in my Constituency. At the heart of its efforts is its desire to make its community thrive and be a place that is prosperous and inclusive for all.
What concrete action is being taken to support Pollok United and similar sporting organisations to maintain and expand their vital community efforts, particularly in challenging financial circumstances?
Maree Todd
Scottish National Party
The Scottish Government recognises the incredible impact and reach of sports organisations and community clubs such as Pollok United. I know that, when the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care met the club last month, he was incredibly impressed by the work that it does. We will continue to work alongside it to support the communities that it serves.
We provide the Scottish Football Association with £1.3 million annually via sportscotland to support grassroots football. Additionally, in partnership with the SFA, we are investing £5.5 million in the extra time programme, which supports up to 5,000 children and families through breakfast, after-school and holiday clubs. That improves children’s health and wellbeing while enabling parents to work, thus tackling poverty right at its roots.
Liam McArthur
Liberal Democrat
I apologise to those I was unable to call. That concludes portfolio questions on health and social care.
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