Seòmar agus comataidhean

Our proposals are contained in the report The same as you? which is published today. It aims to change for the better the lives of people with learning disabilities and their carers. I am consulting widely on its findings.

I am pleased to have achieved the commitment in our Programme for Government to publish these proposals in 2000.

A consultation paper on limiting the landfill of biodegradable municipal waste as required by the EC Landfill Directive was issued on 17 November 1999. The consultation sought views on the types of mechanism which could be used to ensure that biodegradable municipal waste is diverted away from landfill and therefore the targets in Article 5 of the Landfill Directive be met. Five different options were presented and are discussed in the paper.

A total of 33 responses were received by the Scottish Executive and copies of these have been placed in the Executive's library for public inspection. Of the respondents who expressed a preference, 84% favoured the option of system of permits which will allow local authorities to landfill set quantities of biodegradable municipal waste in any given year. This option was supported by the majority of local authorities which responded and by all the respondents from the waste management industry. The Executive has concluded that this is the preferable method for implementing the Directive targets. Legislation will be needed to establish such a system.

The consultation paper also explained several other issues related to implementation of the Directive's targets. Views on the possibility of establishing a tradable system for landfill permits were less conclusive. Overall, however, there was a general view that this proposal would be of benefit, although it is clear that further discussion is needed on the details of how the system should be established. The Executive has concluded that there is merit in establishing a system of tradable landfill permits, probably issued free initially to local authorities and allowing trading between local authorities. This should allow authorities more flexibility to take local considerations into account in making decisions on dealing with waste. Trading is also expected to prove more cost-effective and of benefit to the environment, as authorities can achieve economies of scale without necessarily transporting waste over long distances. Available landfill capacity can be used for more local waste where it is available and provides the Best Practicable Environmental Option.

There was widespread support for Scotland making use of the additional four years allowed for in the Directive to meet the targets, delaying the first deadline to 2010. It is clear that in view of the extent to which we rely on landfill, there is merit in allowing as long as possible to achieve the challenging targets. However, it is vital that work starts now to reduce the amount of waste which is disposed of to landfill and that the extension is not used as an excuse for delaying action. We must begin to change our ways now, without delay.

The Executive has commissioned research to investigate the costs of implementing the Landfill Directive. The results of this research will also help inform the detailed design of the permit system and how permits should initially be allocated.

Some concerns were raised about the proposed interpretation of the definition of municipal waste in the consultation paper. However, the proposed interpretation is consistent with the base information for municipal waste produced in the UK in 1995 which is held by EUROSTAT and which will form the basis for the measurement of the Directive's targets. The Executive will consider this interpretation further in the light of legal advice.

Further consultation will be undertaken later this year on both the details of the proposed landfill permit system and on other aspects of implementation of the Landfill Directive.

I am pleased to be able to report that the working group has completed its consideration of the scope of the package of safeguards. It has concluded that the package of safeguards is sufficiently complete, wide-ranging and robust. The working group took account of existing good practice in Scottish schools, the professional judgement of teachers, the quality assurance systems used in schools and authorities, and the awareness and involvement of parents. This has already ensured that inappropriate teaching or use of inappropriate materials has been prevented. I have noted the reservation of the representative of the Catholic Education Commission that the new section in the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. Bill does not mention marriage.

I am grateful to the group for completing its first task so quickly. The group will now continue with its remaining work. This will include the preparation of: summary guidance for teachers on the available curriculum advice and materials; advice to schools and teachers on effective consultation with parents; and a national package of information for parents on the nature and purpose of sex education in Scottish schools. Drafts of these materials will be issued for consultation.

A copy of the report has been made available to all MSPs and can be found in SPICe.

The Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund is made up of £3 million from the Scottish Executive and £3 million matched funding from councils over two years. £2 million is also being allocated over two years from Scottish Homes to increase the number of refuge places and provide more permanent accommodation. The successful applications for 2000-01 are as follows:-

Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund 2000-01 Successful Applications

Council	Provision		Award (£000)
Aberdeen City Council	2 Domestic Abuse Support Workers		25.52
Aberdeenshire Council	3p/t Outreach Workers and admin support		38.49
Angus Council		Domestic Abuse Officer (Barnardos)	29.50
	Refuge Worker (Women's Aid)		20.00
Argyll & Bute Council	Children's Worker (Women's Aid - Dunoon)		10.31
	Sessional Rape Crisis Support		5.36
	Outreach Worker - Bute		36.29
City of Edinburgh Council	Partner Worker for Probation Programme		13.80
	Development of multi-agency strategy		43.75
Dumfries & Galloway Council	Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator		46.25
Dundee City Council	Outreach Training and advice for victims		25.72
East Ayrshire Council	Domestic Abuse Training Officer		22.50
East Dunbartonshire Council	Increase Women's Aid Service		38.59
	Develop Multi-agency Forum		18.40
East Renfrewshire Council	To Develop Services and Start-up Funding for East Renfrew Women's Aid		50.00
Falkirk Council/Stirling Council/Clackmannan Council	Partner Support Worker for Women whose Partners are Undergoing Groupwork Rehabilitation		16.10
Falkirk Council (Open Secret)	Co-ordinator to train and work with volunteers		19.94
Falkirk Council	Abuse Prevention Worker		30.78
Fife Council	To Improve accessibility - East Fife WA		30.29
	Fife Domestic Abuse Forum		30.62
	Dunfermline Women's Aid - service extension		18.70
	Abuse Survivor's Project - Kirkcaldy		4.05
Glasgow City Council	Support Unit for Glasgow Partnership		47.93
	Women's Aid Worker- Easterhouse		14.70
	Educational Resource Worker		29.00
Highland Council	Develop Strategy, Child and Family Support Post, Outreach Project		50.00
Inverclyde Council	Outreach Worker (Women's Aid)
	Zero Tolerance Development Worker		21.50
Midlothian Council	Support Work for Extra Refuge Spaces		30.50
Moray Council	Information/Advice Worker		21.10
North Ayrshire Council	Outreach Services for Children and Preventative Work Through Schools		43.50
North Lanarkshire Council	Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator		23.00
Orkney Islands Council	Development Worker - Women's Aid		13.04
Perth & Kinross Council	Outreach Work in the Rural Community		15.00
Renfrewshire Council	Multi-agency Development/Preventative Work in Schools and Outreach Initiative		34.53
Scottish Borders Council	Research for Domestic Abuse Forum		19.00
Shetland Islands Council	Outreach Worker (Women's Aid) to develop Multi-agency approach for new Partnership		19.00
South Ayrshire Council	Multi-agency Development		7.50
	Working in Rural Areas		17.50
	Support for Additional Accommodation		10.00
	Providing Additional Security		7.50
South Lanarkshire Council	Framework to Improve Access to Services		50.00
	Furnish 6 Properties for Emergency		42.30
Stirling Council	Community Outreach in Rural Areas		9.50
	Domestic Abuse Training Co-ordinator		27.95
West Dunbartonshire Council	Development Worker for Multi-agency Strategy		30.00
Western Isles Council	Research to inform future strategic Development and Services		15.00
West Lothian Council	'Child Focus' Family Mediation Service		42.00
	Resettlement Worker		10.00
TOTAL			£1,226.01

In addition the Development Fund is providing matched funding for some of Scottish Homes projects for furnishings and fittings £104.99

Grand Total £1330.99

Scottish Homes Domestic Abuse Fund Successful Applications

Aberdeenshire Council	Refurbishment of existing property	18.24
Angus Council	Furnishings, decoration to refuge	17.78
Fife Council	Move on Accommodation	182.00
Glasgow City Council	Refuge	136.74
Highland Council	Refuge	100.00
Midlothian Council	New Hostel	216.00
North Ayrshire Council	Refurbish properties	54.13
North Lanarkshire Council	New Refuge	177.26
Orkney Islands Council	Feasibility study	5.00
Renfrewshire Council	Furnishings for 4 Flats	16.22
South Lanarkshire Council	New Build	163.00
West Lothian Council	Furnishings	17.50
Total		£1,103.87*

*£104.99 of the total is for match funding with the Domestic Abuse Service Development Fund for furnishings and fittings.

I announced last year that the Executive would be looking at the law as it relates to stalking and harassment and that we would consult widely in considering the need for any changes to the law or its practice. We are, therefore, issuing a consultation paper today which considers options for change and seeks the widest possible views on the way forward. The consultation period closes on 9 June.

In addition to other initiatives and activities to revitalise communities, we are providing the Coalfields Regeneration Trust with £4.5 million over three years to support the regeneration of coalfield communities across Scotland. The Trust has established its Scottish office in Alloa and its development officers are now active in coalfield communities promoting the work of the Trust and encouraging applications for support.

The work of witness protection programmes should not be affected by proposals for community ownership under New Housing Partnerships. The type and tenure of property currently used varies according to individual circumstances. Where houses transfer out of council ownership, there will be contractual agreements with acquiring landlords which can include arrangements for witness protection programmes.

I am very pleased to be able to announce that I have agreed the disbursement of next round of RSI funds, based on the recommendations of the RSI Advisory Group. These recommendations identify projects to be funded throughout Scotland. I have accepted the Advisory Group's recommendations on the level of funding and that funding for new projects in Edinburgh and Glasgow should be determined in relation to a comprehensive strategy for addressing rough sleeping in the two cities.

We are supporting a total of 57 projects throughout Scotland to deliver on our three new priorities:-

• Meeting needs beyond the central belt, including rural areas.
• Preventing people having to sleep rough through direct support such as rent deposit schemes.
• Specialist support for those at the greatest risk of rough sleeping, including prisoners.

The projects include:

• Twelve specialist accommodation projects to provide 146 places for those at risk of rough sleeping.

• Ten rent deposit schemes, providing 250 tenancies a year for people who would have problems finding deposits. Deposit schemes are effective in helping homeless people get and keep tenancies, even if they have been in rent arrears in the past.

• 23 outreach projects, with 32 staff, to connect rough sleepers with mainstream services and help them off the streets.

• Five resettlement projects with 11 support staff to help homeless people move out of hostels and back into communities.

• Twelve specialist support projects to tackle the needs of those the research shows are most likely to end up on the streets. These will provide or develop housing support projects in eleven prisons to reduce the risk of prisoners losing their accommodation while inside and help them on their release. They also include addiction and mental health projects to help vulnerable people keep a roof over their heads.

The Report of the Advisory Group is being published today and copies will be made available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.TABLE OF AWARDS BY AUTHORITY

SUMMARY TOTAL FUNDING EACH AUTHORITY
LOCAL AUTHORITY	2000-01	2001-02	Total
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
Angus	26,000	26,000	52,000
Argyll and Bute
Clackmannanshire
Dumfries and Galloway
Dundee City
E,N & S Ayrshire
East Dunbartonshire			5
East Lothian
East Renfrewshire
Falkirk
Fife
Highlands
Inverclyde	50,186	50,992	101,178
Moray
North Lanarkshire
Perth and Kinross
Renfrewshire	165,394		268,575
Shetlands
South Lanarkshire
Stirling	26,000	26,000	52,000
West Dunbartonshire	86,010		190,357
West Lothian
Shelter
GCSH
TOTAL
Interim Awards
Edinburgh [2 years continuation funding]	1,674,056	1,714,205	3,388,261
Glasgow[3 months continuation funding]	682,251	0	682,251
TOTAL

The Scottish Ministers will be able to issue directions and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority for the franchise providing passenger rail services which begin and end in Scotland. These will reflect our strategic priorities for the provision of services throughout the country.

The Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) last met on 29 November. Their advice was made publicly available at a press briefing on 22 December. Copies are now available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe). On the two main issues considered at the meeting, SEAC advised no change to the over 30 month rule at this time, and also that the ban on the feeding of porcine meat and bone meal in poultry feed should continue.The Scottish Executive has accepted this advice.