Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19700 on 31 July 2023. 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 .

The Scottish Government recognises the value in having a range of Gaelic organisations with different functions and the SG aims at all times to remain informed and supportive of the work of these bodies. The SG will meet with An Comunn Gidhealach on average two or three times a year as well as meeting in wider gatherings. The focus of the meetings will be on the Royal National Mod and related initiatives and what support can be provided by the SG. The SG meets with Comann na Gidhlig on average two or three times a year as well as meeting in wider gatherings. The focus of the meetings will be projects that CnaG is taking forward and to consider what support SG can offer. The SG is in regular and frequent contact with Fèisean nan Gidheal both in relation to projects and initiatives which FnG is taking forward and in relation to wider Gaelic developments. The SG is aware of the work of Fèis Rois and SG does not hold meetings with this body or have a funding relationship with Fèis Rois. Along with the four bodies mentioned above, SG maintains close working relationships with other Gaelic bodies that have an important role to play in the promotion of Gaelic throughout Scotland.

The Scottish Government is working closely with NHS Scotland Assure and all NHS Boards to establish the current position with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Once the survey programme has assessed properties that may contain RAAC and it's extent within the NHS Estate has been determined, the Health Infrastructure and Sustainability Division within Scottish Government will consider whether Ministerial meetings with NHS Boards are required.

NHS Scotland Assure are conducting a survey programme which will confirm how many buildings in the NHS Estate contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

Once the extent of the programme is determined, the condition will be assessed, thereafter it will be possible to establish the management and removal plans that may be necessary. This means however, that it is not currently possible to assess what these plans might cost until the survey work is complete.

The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 aims to ensure that the majority of tenants living in the private rented sector are protected by the temporary, emergency measures.

Tenancies under the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984 are exempt from the temporary rent cap, and there are only a small number of remaining tenancies under this Act. For these tenancies, rent increases can only occur every 3 years and the restrictions on rent increases already built into the system operate to ensure rents in respect of the 1984 Act are raised at fair levels.

It is the statutory duty of local authorities, the NHS and other public service providers to manage and maintain their estate. We have been in close contact with local authorities, the NHS and others and expect contingency plans to be in place to minimise any potential disruption to services. We will continue to engage across sectors to direct public and private sector organisations towards guidance and good practice with regards to identifying, assessing and managing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

The Scottish Government (SG) will establish a cross sector Working Group to raise awareness of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete across different sectors. This approach aligns with the UK Government and provides visibility and sharing of information across all sectors.

The Private Residential Tenancy was designed so that one tenant cannot terminate a joint tenancy on behalf of all the joint tenants, as this could result in a person who wished to stay in the let property being made homeless when another tenant chooses to leave.

Current legislation does give the landlord the right to decide not to agree to continuing the existing tenancy in those circumstances and can request that a new tenancy be issued at the point of a new person moving into the property. As the rent cap element of the emergency Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 applies only to in-tenancy rent increases, where a new tenancy is created the landlord is able to increase the rent being requested.

Whilst we believe the emergency Act is bringing significant extra protections for people living in the private rented sector during the ongoing cost crisis, it was not able to make more fundamental changes to the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 with respect to joint tenancy arrangements.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19700 on 31 July 2023. 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 .

The Scottish Government is in the process of conducting the Student Finance and Wellbeing Study which will provide data on paid work undertaken by students.