7. To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the potential impact of the proposed closure of 29 police stations across Scotland on antisocial behaviour. (S6O-02940)

The deployment of police resources and operational matters are, of course, decisions for the chief constable. The Scottish Government has increased police funding to Police Scotland year on year since 2016-17, with £1.55 billion being committed in the 2024-25 budget.

We fully support Police Scotland and local authorities that lead on responding to antisocial behaviour, and we continue to encourage early Intervention, diversion and appropriate support through multi-agency partnership approaches.

Police Scotland has confirmed that there has been a recent rise in antisocial behaviour in Linlithgow. Although it is often non-criminal, the impact that it has on the local community is undeniable. Linlithgow lost its police station a number of years ago, and constituents are concerned that the lack of police presence is contributing to young people engaging in such behaviour. What specific action is the Scottish Government taking to ensure that communities where police stations are earmarked for closure continue to feel safe and protected in their local area?

Mr Choudhury might be aware that the police station in Linlithgow has been vacant for more than six years and has therefore been declared surplus by Police Scotland.

The member might be aware that Siobhian Brown, who is the responsible Minister, has established a working group on antisocial behaviour, which brings together experts and practitioners to examine our strategic approach to the issue and to propose improvements. The group will report later this year. After 20 years of the existing antisocial behaviour legislation, we are due a review, and I look forward to all members’ contributions to that.