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In 2020 we commissioned Element Energy to assess the technical feasibility of Scotland's housing stock for low carbon heating. It produced a comprehensive set of housing archetypes considering characteristics such as property type, size, age, levels of insulation and existing heating fuel. The methodology used is set out in the final report, available here: Technical Feasibility of Low Carbon Heating in Domestic Buildings : Report for Scottish Government’s Directorate for Energy & Climate Change (www.gov.scot) . This assessment was made for two time periods: 2017 (assuming current housing characteristics) and 2040 (assuming properties undergo energy efficiency upgrades to achieve the equivalent of EPC C).

The underlying data was published in 2023 and is available here: Low carbon heating in domestic buildings – technical feasibility: archetype appendix - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) . These data show that there are around 170,000 off-gas grid properties using high emissions fuels, of which around 40,000 are not suitable for low temperature air-source heat pumps in the 2040 scenario. The technical suitability was assessed using the criteria summarised in the publication. Note that all modelling is subject to uncertainty, particularly future projections. This includes, for example, potential improvements in heat pump technology.

The purpose of our proposals, as set out in our consultation for a Heat in Buildings Bill, is to regulate greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating buildings. We focus on direct emissions to ensure responsibility for eliminating emissions is allocated to those with the ability to act (at the point of use). This approach would place a duty on the building owner to meet the Heat in Buildings Standard.

However in the consultation, we recognise that as a renewable, and potentially net zero, energy source bioenergy may represent the best option to help decarbonise some homes for which clean heating systems are not suitable. We also want to ensure that owners who have taken the proactive step of installing renewable bioenergy systems are fairly treated. This is why, in addition to permitting extra time for those currently using bioenergy to meet the clean heat element of the Standard, we are seeking views on whether a more flexible approach to the use of bioenergy under future regulations is needed. We would need to balance this flexibility with the need to protect and ensure the supply of bioenergy in other sectors of the economy that also rely on bioenergy to remove emissions.

The Scottish Government and its enterprise agencies understand the strategic importance of Scotland’s tech conferences in attracting talents and showcasing Scottish companies to international investors and markets. That is why we have invested almost £600k in recent years to support their continued growth and internationalisation.

Conferences will remain an important focus in 2024-25 and we are particularly keen to form new partnerships with industry to grow the quality and scale of Scotland’s offer.

The vast majority of Link Workers in general practice in Scotland are funded from the Primary Care Improvement Fund (PCIF). We have not prescribed a specific employment model for Community Link Workers. It is the responsibility of each Health and Social Care Partnership to decide how it invests its allocation from the PCIF to deliver all of the services set out in the Memorandum of Understanding. Many factors will be taken into consideration such as local need.

The Scottish Government supports new woodland creation through the Forestry Grant Scheme. Planting is recorded in line with financial years. The Scottish Government expects to deliver 9,000 hectares of new woodland creation through the Forestry Grant Scheme in the 2024-25 financial year, and would expect a similar area to be delivered in the 2024-25 planting season.

As the Scottish Government budget has not been finalised for 2025-26 or future years, it is not possible to confirm how much planting will be supported by the Forestry Grant Scheme in future years or planting seasons.

Funding to support place-based regeneration programmes has been set at £45.8m for 2024-25 of which £23m is required to meet contractual commitments for Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) and the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP) projects.

Ministers are considering implications of the budget and options for the distribution of the remaining capital budget allocation. As such, the planned investment panel and subsequent funding decisions on Round 11 Stage 2 of the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund are currently on hold and we will clarify how the regeneration capital budget will be allocated in due course.

The Deputy First Minister has made clear the very challenging position on the Scottish Government’s capital budget. This is forecast to result in a 9.8% real terms cut in our capital funding over the medium term between 2023-24 and 2027-28.

Through the existing capital investment routes including the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, we have, over a number of years, encouraged the CRT to work with relevant local authorities to bring forward proposals to develop assets, to support community led regeneration while providing an alternative source of income generation for CRT. This is aimed at reducing the Trust’s reliance on revenue grant.

The Scottish Government continues to provide £100,000 annual funding to enable CELCIS to support the facilitation of a Virtual Head Teacher network. There are currently 18 virtual head teachers (or equivalent) who are members of the network with a standing offer of support to other local authorities who are considering implementing the role. The network has recently been expanded to include two Attainment Advisers from Education Scotland to offer additional support to the network and virtual head teachers.

Funding is provided to CELCIS for them to facilitate, support and manage a network of Virtual Head Teachers. This includes undertaking research and evaluation around the development of the role in Scotland and how it can help improve the lives and education outcomes of care experienced young people. Decisions around the introduction of the role remain with each individual local authority.

The Fair Work Working Group (FWWG) continues to explore ways to promote all aspects of fair work across the sector, finding common ground on good fair work practices which will be both meaningful and impactful and will encourage retail businesses to demonstrate their commitment to the Fair Work principles.

New Year's Day trading can be discussed and non-legislative routes explored in relation to the approach on fair work if the FWWG members choose to do so as part of their regular discussions and as they continue to collaborate on the fair work action with the trade unions and industry stakeholders through the Retail Industry Leadership Group.

Health Boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships are responsible for the delivery of primary medical services in their areas and for any evaluation of the sufficiency of those services.