Order, Order.

We turn now to a Stage 2 Vote on SB221, in the name of the Scottish Conservatives. The question is that this Parliament approves the amendments to the NHS Funding Double-Lock (Scotland) Bill.

Members are reminded to vote For/Against/Abstain. Attempts to stylise a vote may result in it not being counted. Where there is mix-up with an alternative voting style, this shall also be accepted.

NHS Funding Double-Lock (Scotland) Bill

An Act of the Scottish Parliament to establish a double-lock in healthcare funding increases in accordance with a minimum rise of 2% above inflation or Block Grant increases, and for connected purposes.

SECTION 1: Definitions

For the purposes of this Act, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below —

1. ‘NHS’ refers to the medical, dental, and behavioral health services provided under the Scottish National Health Service.

2. ‘Inflation’ defined as the general increase in the price level of goods and services in the economy over a period of time.

3. ‘Base year’ means the year in which the initial funding level for healthcare services is established.

4. ‘Block Grant’ refers to the funding provided by the UK Government to the Scottish Government.

SECTION 2: The Double Lock

1. Any increase in funding for the National Health Service (NHS), shall be subject to a ‘double-lock’ that ensures that the increase in funding keeps its pace in regards to inflation.

2. The first lock shall be based on the percentage increase of national inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the previous two fiscal quarters.

3. The Scottish Government is required to maintain annual NHS funding increases above an inflation rate of atleast 2%.

4. The second lock shall be based on the percentage increase in the latest Block Grant provided by the UK Government.

5. The funding level for the NHS in the base year - determined by the Government - shall be adjusted by the sum of the percentage increases reached as a result of Section 2: para (2) and (3).

6. The funding level for the NHS in all subsequent years shall be adjusted by the sum of the percentage increases reached under Section 2: para (2) and (3) for that year,

   a. provided that the funding level shall not be decreased below the level in the previous year.

SECTION 3: Commencement

1. The provisions of this Act shall come into force the Fiscal Year of 2024/2025 following the passage of this Act.

SECTION 4: Short Title

1. This Act may be cited as the NHS Funding Double-Lock (Scotland) Act.

This Bill was submitted by StraightsofMagellan, Spokesperson for NHS & Social Care on behalf of The Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party.

Opening Speech:

Presiding Officer,

The Scottish Conservatives & Unionist Party are glad to return to Scotland and our commitment to the people is shown as clear as day with this bill presented that commits to keeping our NHS adequately funded. The bill establishes a double-lock which requires the NHS to see funding rise following either increases in inflation to above that by 2% or the percentage increases of the Block Grant provided by the UK Government. Answering on behalf of the Government in the latest Healthcare Portfolio Questions, the Minister had no objections at the time to the double-locking of NHS Funding. The Scottish Conservatives are committed to supporting our NHS by any means necessary and we urge members to see constructive efforts in aiding to pass this bill. Thank you.

Link to Stage 1 Debate

Amendments

A01 - in the name of u/CountBrandenburg:

Section 2, paragraph 2 is amended to read:

(2) The First Lock shall be based on inflation, calculated by the 12 month Consumer Price Index including owner-occupier Housing costs (CPIH), at the point 2 months prior to the NHS spending being set.

Section 2, paragraph 3 is amended to read

(3) The Scottish Government is required to increase annual health funding by the percentage determined under paragraph 2 at least, unless the percentage in paragraph 4 is greater.

Note: this actually sets a double lock, setting the inflationary increase based on 12 months average at the most recent data set (instead of it reading like it says CPIH 2%).

Voting on this item of Business ends with the close of Business on April 21st, at 10 pm BST.