Pre-Budget scrutiny 2026-27: funding for culture

Planned budget increases

1. Have budget increases over the course of this Parliamentary session been effectively prioritised to generate improved cultural outcomes, and what lessons can be learned to ensure further planned budget increases maximise outcomes? 

Alternative funding models

2. What progress has been made towards implementing alternative funding models to support the culture sector?

3. Going forward, what alternative funding models should the Scottish Government consider to provide support to the culture sector? How could these models be implemented, and what barriers may exist to implementing them? 

Preventative spending

4. Has progress been made towards mainstreaming culture across the Scottish Government, and if so, what impact has this had on Scottish Government priorities and outcomes? How should the Scottish Government prioritise preventative spending in its 2026-27 Budget?

Net Zero and the Scottish Government's Climate Change Plan

5. How is the culture and heritage sector addressing its own operational emissions in line with the Scottish Government’s net zero ambitions?

6. What is the role of the culture and heritage sector in shaping and informing public attitudes on climate and sustainability, and in scrutinising and challenging the political response?

7. What impact might the Climate Change Plan have on the culture and heritage sector, and how could funding streams better support culture and heritage organisations to contribute towards net zero outcomes?