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The latest annual report was published on 30 June 2023 at https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotland-hydro-nation-annual-report-2022/

The main aim for the private water supply connections project is to build resilience to private water supply communities affected by water scarcity. The funding is being spent to determine whether a connection to the public water main is a viable option and some communities will be shortlisted to have the public water network extended into their area so households can make a connection.

So far, five pilot projects in Aberdeenshire have been chosen and Scottish Water have carried out Water Impact Assessments for each to better understand the feasibility and cost of connections. Three of the pilot communities have been shortlisted to have the public water network extended into their areas using a selection criteria that maximised the connection potential and ensured value for money. They will be notified shortly and the design of the new public water network for these areas is underway.

Overall, the results of the Water Impact Assessments were positive. The studies indicated that there was capacity in the network to support all of the pilot communities. The process also highlighted that these studies can remove a significant cost barrier for groups seeking a connection, which can range from between £3,000 and £25,000 without a guarantee that a connection can be made. As a result, I have asked my officials to establish a two-year, Scotland-wide Water Impact Assessment programme so that other regions impacted by water scarcity can benefit. Local authorities have been asked to nominate eligible communities.

It takes some time to carry out these assessments, liaise with communities, design and then deliver the project and therefore no properties have been connected since June 2022. I have asked Scottish Water to hire a project manager to work on the project full- time. When this in place I expect further progress to be made.

There are currently different standards to meet depending on tenure. All housing must meet the Tolerable Standard, Private Rented Sector homes must meet the Repairing Standard with only social homes required to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.

Local authorities have broad discretionary powers to support home-owners who have difficulty covering the cost of repairs required to meet with minimum standards. They are required to have a Scheme of Assistance in place which sets out the financial and non-financial help that is appropriate for that area.

As our spring campaign officially ended on 30 June, the level of stock held in Scotland is minimal, after a programme where we delivered over 490,000 doses. The number of doses currently held by NHS Scotland is calculated to be around 96,000.

In addition there remains residual stock allocated to Scotland within the ownership of UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) that has not been drawn down by NHS Scotland health boards.

The Scottish Government is considering the income threshold for access to the Part-Time Fee Grant in light of the current changing financial landscape and the issues relating to individual earnings. This will form part of a wider review of student support for part-time learners, highlighted in the Initial Priorities paper of the Purpose and Principles for Post-School Education, Research and Skills, published on the 28 June.

The information requested is not currently held centrally by the Scottish Government.

Gender reassignment surgery is a specialised field, and due to the highly specialist nature of this surgery, it is carried out in the UK under a four-nations contract, which is managed by NHS England’s Gender Dysphoria National Referral Support Service (GDNRSS). These surgeries are coordinated by NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) on behalf of NHS Scotland.

NSS is in discussion with NHS England’s GDNRSS around the regular provision of these data.

The Scottish Government utilises a range of data sources which provide comparable information on many of the topics covered by the English Private Landlord Survey.

The Scottish Landlord Register provides information on the portfolio size of private rented properties held by landlords.

The Scottish Government conducts the Scottish Household Survey and the Scottish House Condition Survey on an annual basis, providing information on the profile and characteristics of tenant households and the dwellings they occupy.

In addition, information from external research projects, such as the Nationwide Foundation Rent Better Research Project, provides information on the views and experiences of tenants and landlords. Survey findings from industry bodies such as the Scottish Association of Landlords are also considered.

The Scottish Government also collects information on the views of landlords and tenants through informal and formal consultation exercises, such as that conducted on the New Deal for Tenants Draft Rented Sector Strategy.

There are currently no plans for a research study into the demand for residential rehabilitation amongst those who are alcohol dependent.

Scottish Government welcomes robust and reliable research, considering how it relates to ongoing policy or can inform new policy. We await the outcome of the current research into the demand for residential rehabilitation amongst those who use drugs being led by Public Health Scotland to assess whether any of its results and/or recommendations are applicable for people who are alcohol dependent.

The Scottish Government has commissioned Public Health Scotland to undertake the evaluation of the overall National Mission, within this wider evaluation there is a specific programme of work to design and deliver a monitoring and evaluation programme for the residential rehab element of the mission. This includes a wide programme of monitoring and evaluation and is overseen by an independent Monitoring and evaluation Advisory Group.

For the research study into the demand for residential rehabilitation amongst people who use drugs, which forms a part of the wider residential rehabilitation evaluation programme, Public Health Scotland have allocated a maximum budget of £100,000.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) works closely with schools across Scotland to support young people with Additional Support Needs (ASN), as set out in its school partnership agreements. SDS take a person-centred approach, offer support to transition planning and have created a module for staff on the principles of transitions.

Resources and guidance are available and frequently updated for SDS staff supporting customers with ASN and disabilities.

SDS also provides Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training to its training providers to support learners with ASN and disabilities as well as signposting to other organisations for support. They offer Enhanced Funding Contributions (EFC) to enable providers to offer additional support for disabled people and/or those who are care experienced aged 20-29 on the Modern Apprenticeship Programme, when reasonable adjustments are required.

SDS undertake focal point group calls with disability stakeholders across Scotland 3 times a year to better understand barriers and consider interventions for disabled people.

In October 2020 The Skills Development Scotland Digital Economy Team published the Neurodiversity in Digital Technology report following which a call to action was made. Particular focus in 2023-24 will be building on diversity and business work, and furthering the work with employers on inclusive recruitment.