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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-22630

Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 02 November 2023
Current Status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reported problems with affordability and low awareness of home energy upgrades and retrofit schemes.

We provide a range of funding schemes to provide advice and financial support to help households install energy efficiency upgrades and clean heating. This includes our Warmer Homes Scotland scheme which provides a fully funded, full installation service to those who are least able to afford to take action themselves. We also offer our Home Energy Scotland grant and loan scheme under which households can access up to £15,000 in grants and interest free loans to install clean heating systems and energy efficiency measures. Up to £18,000 is available for those households living in rural areas.

We are promote our schemes our schemes and offer of support in range of different ways. I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-22629 on 16 November 2023 for information on the ongoing actions we are taking to do this. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

Question reference: S6W-22810

Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 10 November 2023
Current Status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 16 November 2023

To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to change the reference point for mobile home pitch fees from retail prices index (RPI) to consumer prices index (CPI), in light of the UK Mobile Homes (Pitch Fees) Act 2023.

Following the necessary consultation , the Scottish Government confirmed in June 2023 that it intends to update the Mobile Homes Act 1983 to change the presumed basis of pitch fee uprating from the Retail Prices Index to the Consumer Prices Index, for both existing and future contracts. We also propose to make a further change so that the statistical basis for uprating pitch fees can be amended by secondary rather than primary legislation in the future. We will bring forward the necessary legislation at the earliest opportunity.

Question reference: S6W-22629

Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 02 November 2023
Current Status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve awareness of home energy upgrades and retrofit schemes, in light of reported data from the Chartered Institute of Buildings, which found that two in five residents cannot afford these upgrades and that 39% of those surveyed had not heard of any Scottish Government incentive schemes.

Our home energy upgrade and retrofit schemes provide high levels of support. For example, eligible households can access up to £15,000 in grants and interest free loans to install clean heating systems and energy efficiency measures. Up to £18,000 is available for those households living in rural areas.

We run regular marketing campaigns to promote awareness of the support available and to raise awareness of the need to take action to reduce emissions and contribute toward net zero objectives. Earlier this year we ran a marketing campaign promoting the support on offer via our newly launched Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme. During the campaign we saw a 23% increase in applications compared to the previous month.

Currently we are running a nationwide marketing campaign promoting the offer of support available from Home Energy Scotland. In the new year we will launch a new targeted awareness raising campaign targeting households who are able to consider installing a heat pump. This will be complemented by bolstered activity under our Let’s Do Net Zero marketing campaign which will highlight the benefits of making changes such as installing insulation or a climate friendly heating system.

The Energy Savings Trust, who manage Home Energy Scotland, also regularly promote the Loans and Grants scheme through their own channels including digital promotion via the advice centre network.

By the end of this year we will publish our Heat in Buildings Public Engagement Strategy setting out how we will work with stakeholders to increase public awareness and understanding of clean heating systems, the different technological options available and how to access advice and support.

Question reference: S6O-02738

Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 08 November 2023
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 16 November 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to carry out its commitment to put community audiology services on a par with free community eye care services.

Question reference: S6O-02647

Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 18 October 2023
Current Status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 26 October 2023

To ask the Scottish Government how it has ensured that the manufacture of the MV Glen Sannox fully meets classification society rules.

Question reference: S6W-21718

Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 22 September 2023
Current Status: Answered by Siobhian Brown on 5 October 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what data it currently collects on fires related to lithium-ion batteries used in electric micro-mobility vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters, and, if this data is not currently collected, what plans it has to undertake such data collection in the future.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service utilises the Home Office Incident Recording System (IRS) to capture incident data.

Whilst there is currently no specific category to record incidents caused by lithium-ion batteries, this information can be recorded as “further information” and data can be collected and analysed via keyword search.

Work is ongoing to update the IRS to include more categories to reflect current and future needs in statistical recording and reporting.

Question reference: S6W-21698

Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 22 September 2023
Current Status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 5 October 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in electric micro-mobility vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters.

While product safety policy remains reserved, the Scottish Government fully recognises the harm that the misuse of lithium-ion batteries can bring to those using electric micro-mobility vehicles.

I met recently with Electrical Safety First and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to discuss the danger that these batteries can cause.

Raising awareness of the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries is particularly important as e-bikes become more popular. The Scottish Government strongly urges consumers to only buy products from reputable retailers that they know and trust.

It is currently illegal in Scotland to use an e-scooter unless on private property.

Question reference: S6W-21490

Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 19 September 2023
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 3 October 2023

To ask the Scottish Government what the estimated cost would be of introducing 20mph zones across Scotland, and what analysis has been undertaken on the potential cost to the Scottish economy of introducing 20mph speed limits.

The Scottish Government have supported local road authorities with £1.4 million in funding to undertake the necessary roads assessments which will determine the number of roads affected and the financial implications of introducing the national strategy for 20mph speed limits. The findings from the road assessments will enable the multi-stakeholder 20mph Task Group to scope the next steps for implementation at their meeting in October.

Question reference: S6W-21384

Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 14 September 2023
Current Status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 3 October 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to keep pace with the EU Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation, particularly in relation to maximum distances between EV charging stations and hydrogen fuel stations.

The Scottish Government will implement all relevant regulation to improve consumer experience of public charge points for electric vehicles in Scotland.

In June 2023 Transport Scotland published A Network Fit For The Future: Vision for Scotland’s Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network, which sets out the ambition for a world-class public charging network that works for everyone regardless of their needs. It highlights the need for a well-designed, comprehensive and convenient network of public charge points. The Vision can be found at this web link: A Network Fit For The Future: Vision for Scotland’s Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network | Transport Scotland . Government is supporting the delivery of this Vision through the £60 million Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, which includes funding for Local Authorities to map out public charging needs in their areas through Strategy and Expansion Plans.

In addition, The Zero Emission Truck Taskforce, which includes Transport Scotland, is exploring the energy infrastructure required for HGVs, including consideration of hydrogen refuelling, and will publish an HGV Decarbonisation Pathway next year.

Question reference: S6W-21386

Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 14 September 2023
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 29 September 2023

To ask the Scottish Government whether agreement has been reached to upgrade Ardrossan Harbour in order that it can facilitate the Glen Sannox ferry once it is complete.