The fair work agenda in social care is a priority for and responsibility shared between the Scottish Government, local authorities and care providers and all partners are expected to make a contribution.

During a telecom briefing to chief executives, I referred to previous agreements on fair work which were based on a tripartite model with providers and local government each making a 25% contribution.

In correspondence to local authorities setting out the terms of my offer, I confirmed that our investment assumes that private and third sector providers will meet their share of the costs. I did not stipulate a specific contribution expected from providers. These costs will be different in each area depending on local markets and therefore local negotiations will determine the overall cost and share of contributions required.

As part of the Detect Cancer Early Programme, the Scottish Breast Screening Programme recently transformed from older analogue equipment to digital technology along with the introduction of a new IT system.

On screening issues we are advised by the UK National Screening Committee (NSC), an independent expert advisory group which advises ministers and the NHS in the four UK countries about all aspects of screening.

The NSC reviewed the age range for cervical screening in 2012 considering all the available medical evidence regarding the risks and benefits of screening women under the age of 25 and recommended that cervical screening programmes should screen women routinely between the age of 25 and 64.

The NSC recently recommended the use of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as a primary test in cervical screening programmes. Currently the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme uses cytology testing to look for abnormal cells that could be the first sign of cancer. HPV testing is used as a secondary measure in women needing further investigation. Evidence suggests that screening for HPV first will be a more effective way to let women know whether they are at risk of developing cervical cancer. The Scottish Government is currently working with NHS Scotland on the development of a business case which will provide all of the detail required to make a considered decision on implementing HPV testing in the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme.

From 6 June 2016 the age range for routine screening will be changing from 20 to 60 and 25 to 65. Women aged between 20 and 24 already in the screening programme will still be included in the eligible population. The number of women invited to participate in the cervical screening programme fluctuates from year to year.

The Scottish Breast Screening Programme invites all women between the age of 50 and 70 for breast screening approximately every three years, based on GP practice. If women do not take up their initial invitation a reminder is used. Women aged over 70 can self-refer into the programme and are also welcome to attend every three years.

Table 1 shows the number of registrations of breast cancer detected at stage (i) 1, (ii) 2, (iii) 3 and (iv) 4 and Not Known in the (A) most and (B) least deprived areas for Scotland, in 2013¹.

Table 1.

Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2012 Quintiles

Stage		1 - Most deprived	5 - Least deprived
Stage I		310	438
Stage II		301	347
Stage III		99	122
Stage IV		11	13
Not Known		103	80

1 The staging information is obtained from the cancer registration records, the latest published information is for 2013, the 2014 data is due to be published in May 2016.

 

Table 2 shows the number of registrations of cervical cancer detected at stage (i) 1, (ii) 2, (iii) 3 and (iv) 4 and Not Known in the (A) most and (B) least deprived areas for Scotland, in 2013¹.

Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2012 Quintiles

Stage		1 - Most deprived	5 - Least deprived
Stage I		49	25
Stage II		15	13
Stage III		16	2
Stage IV		7	2
Not Known		5	1

1 The staging information is obtained from cancer registration records, the latest published information is for 2013, the 2014 data is due to be published in May 2016

From 1 June 2016 the age range for cervical screening will change from 20 to 60 years old and 25 to 65 years old.

No cost saving has been calculated, the changes to the age range and frequency of screening were reviewed as an improvement in clinical effectiveness as opposed to a potential cost savings delivery.

A direct answer was given to the question put in S4W-30050. The reference to the national guidance was made to provide context, as it explains which NHS service changes are subject to ministerial approval.

The changes to local taxation announced on 2 March 2016 will create a system of local tax that combines elements of property and income-based taxation and which is progressive overall.

We will work with local government to ensure that the additional £100 million revenues are used to fund additional investment in schools within future local government finance settlements.