Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2027-28

Published responses

View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.

Overview

The Criminal Justice Committee is seeking views as part of pre-budget scrutiny 2027-28. The Committee is examining how funding decisions across the justice system affect the delivery of frontline services, support reform and prevention, and improve outcomes for victims, witnesses, service users and communities across Scotland.

The Committee recognises that many organisations across the justice sector are facing significant financial and workforce pressures, while continuing to respond to complex and changing demands.

The Committee aims to better understand the impact these pressures are having on frontline services and outcomes, and to identify opportunities for reform, collaboration and investment that could improve the effectiveness and sustainability of Scotland's justice system.

What is pre-budget scrutiny

Pre-budget scrutiny is intended to influence spending proposals still under development by the Scottish Government.

It normally takes place in the months leading up to the Scottish Budget, typically published in December, though timings have yet to be confirmed.

The evidence received will help the Committee identify the key financial pressures facing justice organisations and consider priorities for future spending.

How to contribute

Please answer the call for views by completing the submission form below.

Questions in this call for views Questions in this call for views

What are the main budget and staffing pressures facing your organisation or service, and how do these affect staff wellbeing, safety and workload?
How are funding constraints affecting the quality of services provided to offenders, victims and the wider public? What impact is this having on confidence in the justice system?
Are there any budget or funding arrangements that make it harder for organisations, such as the police, courts, prisons or local services, to work together effectively or share technology?
What single investment or change should the Scottish Government prioritise in the next budget to reduce pressure on frontline services or improve the performance of the justice system?
Are there changes to ways of working, governance or cross-agency collaboration that could improve outcomes or reduce pressures without requiring significant additional funding?

Analysis

The Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) will prepare a summary and analysis of responses.

Confidentiality and publication of responses

Please let us know if you wish your response to remain confidential. You can also ask for your submission to be anonymised.

We aim to publish all the submissions we receive. The only exceptions are where submissions are made on a “confidential” or “not for publication” basis.

The call for views closes at 11:59pm on 22 October 2026.