Fiona McLeod

Answer · Paul Wheelhouse · 14 Mar 2016

The draft Limitation (Childhood Abuse) (Scotland) Bill is published today, 14 March 2016. It can be viewed here (http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/03/7578/downloads) alongside the consultation analysis and the Scottish Government’s response to the consultation.

Answer · Shona Robison · 17 Feb 2016

The national clinical strategy was published on 17 February 2016. The strategy sets out a clear vision for the development of sustainable health and social care services across Scotland for the next 10-15 years.
The strategy has been developed on the basis of extensive engagement with a broad range of clinicians, professionals and stakeholders over the past 10 months. The national conversation on ‘Creating a Healthier Scotland’ provides the ideal opportunity for further engagement on the proposals and we will therefore continue to converse with professionals and the public to ensure that the national clinical strategy genuinely supports us in planning change for a better future. A link to the strategy is provided: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/02/8699.

Answer · Maureen Watt · 23 Feb 2016

Evidence has shown that cervical screening in young women is more likely to pick up normal cell changes than screening in older women. This may result in unnecessary treatment and as such the risks of screening in this age group out-weigh the benefits. In light of this evidence, the Scottish Government did not consider lowering the age of screening before the introduction of the HPV vaccine.
Screening is not alternative to vaccination and all girls who have received the vaccine should continue to take up the offer of screening when they reach the eligible age.

Answer · Jamie Hepburn · 9 Feb 2016

On 18 January 2016, the Mental Health Foundation published its report A Review of Mental Health Services in Scotland: Perspectives and Experiences of Service Users, Carers and Professionals.
A copy of the report can be accessed via the Scottish Government website http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Health/Services/Mental-Health/Strategy/MHDT/C1.

Answer · John Swinney · 11 Feb 2016

We are working with a range of partners to finalise proposals for a second phase of public investment to extend superfast broadband access across Scotland. We expect to launch new procurement activity later in 2016.
As a first step, we will conduct an Open Market Review to identify planned commercial coverage across Scotland. This will include all premises, including homes built after August 2012. Where commercial suppliers confirm that they have no plans to provide superfast broadband access over the next three years, these homes will become eligible for public investment.

Answer · Fergus Ewing · 11 Feb 2016

During 2014-15 and 2015-16, Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) received a total of 63 complaints about AiB acting as a trustee (including agents acting on behalf of AiB); and 24 complaints about independent trustees.
The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested about Money Advice Trust. This is a matter for Money Advice Trust, a private charity. Their contact details are: Money Advice Trust, 21 Garlick Hill, London, EC4V 2AU, Telephone – 020 7489 7796.

Answer · Fergus Ewing · 11 Feb 2016

The common financial tool was introduced to help achieve consistency and transparency in determining the level of contribution that a debtor might pay in respect of Scottish statutory debt solutions.
Experience has shown that a comprehensive understanding of the household income and expenditure position leads to the most effective outcome and accurate determination of the available contribution. Failure to establish the correct position may lead to contribution levels being too high and unsustainable, or insufficient leading to an unfair outcome for the creditors.
It is absolutely clear in legislation and guidance that no contribution is appropriate where income is derived solely from benefits. And where there is private income any contribution must not include any element of state benefits that are in payment.