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As detailed in last week’s Programme for Government announcement, in order to lead the way on electric vehicles we plan to significantly expand our electric charging infrastructure between now and 2022, in rural, urban and domestic settings. To identify the optimum placement of electric vehicle charging points we will build on the knowledge gained from our experience of installing public charge points since 2012, using the data of current driver use from our network operator, ChargePlace Scotland, and continue to work with key stakeholders such as all local authorities, the Energy Saving Trust and members of the E-cosse stakeholder group to determine suitable future locations.

The Scottish Government uses procurement and climate change policy, law and practice to achieve circular economy outcomes in public contracts and frameworks. ‘Making Things Last – A circular economy strategy for Scotland’ commits us to working with public organisations to identify the products and services where innovation and best practice in public procurement can have the greatest benefit in promoting circular approaches such as leasing, repair and remanufacture, while delivering value for money. Using the national sustainable procurement training framework, selected projects across Scotland are receiving support to embed circular economy outcomes and to test Zero Waste Scotland guidance on ‘Procuring for reuse, repair & remanufacturing’. Frameworks already in place include the national Office Equipment Framework, Scotland Excel’s framework for Outdoor Play Equipment and Artificial Surfaces and their framework for domestic furniture and furnishings.

The sustainable procurement training framework is also being used to develop training that specifically addresses ways to identify and to achieve circular economy outcomes through procurement. Over 700 people have received training on the Scottish Government’s approach to sustainable procurement and a further range of tailored courses are available.

A range of case studies relating to sustainable procurement have already been published, (http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Government/Procurement/casestudies) and more will be developed as this work continues.

Individual financing decisions should be made on the basis of Best Value.

The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the whole of Scotland to adopt low carbon transport.

One example is the development of the ChargePlace Scotland electric vehicle charging network. We have partnered with all 32 local authorities to meet local needs, delivering a comprehensive network covering the whole country.

Another example is changes made to the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) scheme in April 2012 which were designed to encourage fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and re-distribute grant in favour of longer and more rural services.

For the future, our review of the National Transport Strategy (NTS) will balance a number of agendas, as reflected in the working groups we have set up under the review – which include a combined Greener and Healthier Working Group and a Tackling Inequality Working Group.

Local Energy Scotland, who deliver the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Schemes (CARES) work with communities to deliver community owned renewable energy, which includes considering the potential for procuring refurbished/remanufactured wind turbines. Examples of where these have been used are the Coigach and East Neuk joint Communities which were commissioned using refurbished wind turbines on 29 March 2017 and 20 August 2016 respectively.

In 2016 Local Energy Scotland produced a guidance note to help communities looking to procure refurbished and remanufactured wind turbines. The document brought together expertise of community groups who have purchased refurbished or remanufactured wind turbines, their suppliers in the UK, and Ricardo Energy & Environment’s expertise. The guidance note highlights the potential benefits of procuring a refurbished or remanufactured turbine for example, a likely higher return on investment due to cheaper cost. It also outlines the key factors communities should first take into consideration such as performance and operational life. The guidance note can be found at;

http://www.localenergyscotland.org/media/95931/CARES-Briefing-Paper-Refurbished-Remanufactured-Turbines-v5.pdf

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-04802 on 29 November 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The Scottish Government has not carried out any analysis on (a) impact on unemployment rates among different sectors of increased numbers of circular economy jobs or (b) for circular economy jobs to mitigate unemployment in occupations considered vulnerable to job losses. Our priority is to work in partnership to maximise the economic and other opportunities for Scotland.

Scotland’s Creative Industries Partnership last met on 3 August 2017. The next meeting is scheduled for 9 November 2017. Minutes of meetings are agreed at the succeeding meeting, prior to being published on the Creative Scotland website: http://www.creativescotland.com/resources/our-publications/plans-and-strategy-documents/scotlands-creative-industries-partnership.

The information requested is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution will announce proposed Scottish Landfill Tax rates and bands for 2018-19 as part of the draft Scottish Budget. The Scottish Government is mindful of the importance of maintaining a stable policy and investment landscape, to encourage innovation and a more circular economy.

In the first instance the person who made the original unauthorised disposal is liable for any subsequent clean-up costs, including any landfill tax accrued. In situations where that person cannot be identified SEPA and local authorities can apply for an exemption under The Scottish Landfill Tax (Exemption Certificates) Order 2015 when exercising their removal powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The Scottish Government therefore has no current plans on introducing a credit system for these types of disposal.