Officials are preparing options for Phase 3 of the Learning Estate Investment Programme which will be considered by Ministers. We hope to make an announcement on the timescale for Phase 3 later this year.

All schools within the Learning Estate Investment Programme are funded upfront by local authorities through their own capital plans. Scottish Government support is in the form of revenue funding, through the outcomes-based funding model.

The Scottish Government will consider the nature of any duty on UK Government Ministers that may arise as a result of the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill and recommendations of the Scottish Animal Welfare Committee before making any plans in this area.

Amending Regulations were made to the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 today.

These Regulations move Moray to Level 2 from Saturday, 22 May. The Regulations also add the areas of Bedford Borough Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council to the list of places in which the Common Travel Area travel restrictions apply from Monday, 24 May.

The Regulations have been published at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2021/211/made .

The Scottish Government has given a commitment to establishing a dignified, compassionate miscarriage service tailored to the needs of women. The aim is to support the development of individualised care plans after a woman’s first miscarriage and ensure maternity departments have dedicated facilities for women who are experiencing unexpected pregnancy complications.

We also welcome the findings of the Lancet series on miscarriage published on‎ 26 April 2021 and are considering the findings and recommendations made. Next steps are being discussed with stakeholders.

Amending Regulations were made to the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 on Friday, 14 May.

These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 in line with the latest changes announced by the First Minister. The Regulations permit snooker & pool halls and bowling alleys to reopen in Level 2 and allow increased in-home socialising in Level 2 areas. These Regulations make some adjustments in relation to powers of entry, hotels and to the requirements placed on those responsible for businesses, services and places of worship. The Regulations future-proof the travel restrictions for Level 3 and 4 by reintroducing a limitation on travel to reach a place for outdoor exercise, socialising and recreation. The Regulations also adjust the restrictions relating to capacity limits on stadia and live events and for public processions in some levels.

Finally, these Regulations adjust the levels allocation across Scotland. This includes keeping Glasgow and Moray in Level 3.

The Regulations have been published at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2021/209/contents/made.

In accordance with the Sewel Convention and in line with Rule 9B of Standing Orders, the UK Parliament should not legislate with regard to devolved matters – that is on matters within the legislative competence of the Parliament or which change the competence of the Parliament or the Scottish Ministers – without the consent of the Scottish Parliament. 

Within the legislative programme announced by the UK Government, Bills which appear to give rise to the requirement for the legislative consent of the Scottish Parliament are: 

Advanced Research and Invention Agency Bill

Electoral Integrity Bill

Environment Bill

Health and Care Bill

Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill

Procurement Reform Bill

Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Bill

Professional Qualifications Bill

Kept Animals Bill

The Scottish Government will consider the content of all Bills before making its recommendation to the Parliament on legislative consent. It will then be for the Scottish Parliament to determine whether to give or withhold consent. 

It is possible that legislative consent may be required for other UK Bills and those will be drawn to the attention of the Parliament as they arise.