Pre-budget scrutiny 2027-28: Preparing for future challenges in the health, care and sport sectors

The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2026 to 2031 focuses on  

• eradicating child poverty 
• growing the economy 
• tackling the climate emergency 
• delivering a stronger NHS and public services.

1. What steps should the Scottish Government take now to prepare for future challenges in the health, care and sport sectors? 

2. How can resources be allocated to help meet current and future challenges in service delivery and improve outcomes in the health, care and sport sectors? 

3. Can we learn lessons from other places? 

The Scottish Government’s Resource Spending Review 2026 identifies planned increases of 4.8% in real terms for health and social care between 2026-27 and 2028-29. 

4. How would you see this planned budget increase meeting the various challenges facing health and social care over the next two years, including:

• addressing the treatment backlog 
• cost and demand pressures in areas such as NHS pay, drug costs and demographic pressures 

5. How can or should any additional health and social care funding be directed to support alternative models of service delivery? 

On capital funding, the Spending Review includes investment of £4.08 billion in cash terms over four years which will cover major acute capital projects as well as investment in primary and community care infrastructure. 

6. To what extent will the capital spending commitments support healthcare infrastructure needs over the next four years? 

7. Where should the Scottish Government prioritise capital investment in its infrastructure and estate to meet current and future demands and support its public service reform aspirations? 

8. The Spending Review also sets out detail on how it aims to achieve £1.5 billion of savings though public sector efficiencies, with over £1 billion of the total planned savings to come from the health and care sector. Is the achievement of financial sustainability a realistic prospect in the face of continuing pressures around pay costs, treatment costs and rising demand? 

The Scottish Government and others frequently make reference to the need for preventative action to improve health and care in Scotland.  

9. To what extent do previous budgets and the plans set out in the Spending Review support a shift away from reactive services towards preventative approaches? How can more be achieved? 

The Scottish Budget 2026-27 included a significant uplift in funding for sport and related activities, including one-off investment in “Summer of Sport” activities, and an ongoing commitment to providing universal free swimming lessons to every primary school child in Scotland. 

10. How has the increased investment in sport in 2026-27 impacted on service delivery and participation in sport?  

11. Are the sums being invested sufficient and be spent in the right areas to see significant improvements in widening access to sports and exercise? 

12. How has the wider funding landscape for local government impacted on access to sporting facilities and activities? 

As a final question 

13. Are there any other matters relating to the forthcoming budget of the Scottish Government in 2027-28 that fall into the remit of the Health, Care and Sport Committee that you would like to bring to our attention?