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Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Find out more about parliamentary questions

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Question reference: S6W-15958

Asked by: Katy Clark, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 29 March 2023
Current Status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 25 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the effectiveness of the eviction ban in reducing the number of tenants being evicted.

The ongoing cost crisis continues to place people across Scotland in an unprecedented economic position.

The first report on the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 was published on 12 January. The report outlines the various sources of information considered, formally and informally, including a call for evidence to key stakeholders. It is clear that in both the private and social rented sector, the temporary evictions moratorium continues to be necessary in order to help reduce the negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of tenants caused by being evicted or made homeless during the cost crisis, by providing those being evicted with additional time to access support and find alternative accommodation that meets their needs.

As part of assessing the continued necessity of these provisions we have engaged with those representing landlords, letting agents and tenants in both the private and social rented sectors as well as Local Authorities, the Scottish Housing Regulator, student accommodation providers and Lenders. A Statement of Reasons sets out reasons why The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 (Amendment of Expiry Dates and Rent Cap Modification) Regulations 2023 ("the extension regulations") should be made, including the extension of the moratorium on the enforcement of eviction orders across the rental sector.

It is taking the wider economic context and stakeholder engagement, in connection with the cost of living, into account that we have deemed it is necessary and proportionate to extend Part 1 of the Act. A further report on the operation of the emergency Act is due to be laid before Parliament in July.

Question reference: S6W-16238

Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 27 March 2023
Current Status: Answered by Lorna Slater on 25 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government for what reasons Circularity Scotland was not established using a similar model to Crown Estate Scotland and Scottish Water.

Question reference: S6W-16237

Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 27 March 2023
Current Status: Answered by Lorna Slater on 25 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any potential impact on relations between the Deposit Return Scheme administrator and producers where Circularity Scotland is not subject to Freedom of Information legislation.

Just like similar schemes around the world, Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is being delivered and funded by industry. It is for them to determine the appropriate manner in which to meet their obligations under the Regulations, including whether or not to establish a private company to act as a scheme administrator.

Given that it is already standard that private companies are not covered by Freedom of Information legislation, and producers themselves formed and administer Circularity Scotland, the Scottish Government does not consider an assessment of any potential impact on relations between the DRS administrator and producers where Circularity Scotland is not subject to Freedom of Information legislation to be necessary.

Question reference: S6T-01332

Asked by: Bill Kidd, MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Monday, 24 April 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 25 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with the SQA regarding the preparations for this year’s exams.

Question reference: S6T-01336

Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 24 April 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 25 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to a recent report by Friends of the Earth Scotland, which suggests that additional investment is required in public transport if the Scottish Government is to meet its target of reducing car kilometres by 20% by 2030.

Question reference: S6T-01335

Asked by: Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 24 April 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 25 April 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to a recent report by NUS Scotland, which stated that more than a fifth of international students in Scotland have experienced homelessness during their studies.

Question reference: S6F-02046

Asked by: Jamie Greene, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 24 April 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 27 April 2023

To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to new Police Scotland statistics showing that the number of recorded rapes has increased to its highest level in six years.

Question reference: S6F-02053

Asked by: Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 24 April 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 27 April 2023

To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government is doing to ensure that published NHS waiting times for treatment are accurate.

Question reference: S6F-02048

Asked by: Stephanie Callaghan, MSP for Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Monday, 24 April 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 27 April 2023

To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to Alcohol Focus Scotland’s emergency call to urgently take action to prevent further deaths and reduce harm from alcohol.

Question reference: S6F-02033

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 24 April 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 27 April 2023

To ask the First Minister when the Cabinet will next meet.