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RIF funding awards are predominantly still at planning or early implementation stages and there has therefore not yet been an evaluation of the impact of the projects in terms of waste reprocessing capacity (or increased collection for recycling). Information is currently available relating to two projects.

Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) does not make any contribution to public revenue through either council tax or non-domestic rates.

PBSA is the primary domestic residence for students and is therefore considered a "dwelling". As such, it is not subject to non-domestic rates. PBSA is also exempt from council tax as it is occupied solely by full time students.

There are no regulations to specifically prevent the export of waste collected through DRS. Waste will be channelled to appropriate recycling facilities. Decisions on appropriate recycling facilities are made by Circularity Scotland in delivering the scheme As stated in our response to the second report, the Scottish Government accepts recommendation 18. We want to be able to manage more of our own waste within Scotland and strengthen public confidence in where their recycling goes.

The DRS is expected to improve the quality of collected materials, resulting in high value recyclate that will incentive investment in reprocessing infrastructure in Scotland to handle material, and for drinks producers to return it to food-grade plastics rather than export for other purposes.

In 2021, Scottish Government published the Strategy for Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research, which has formed the basis for the Strategic Research Programme 2022-2027 and includes consideration of biogenic carbon. Scottish Government has not undertaken specific consideration of how to include biogenic carbon in future research publications and has no plans to publish on the matter, given its consideration within the Strategic Research Programme.

The Deposit Return Scheme regulations apply to all types of drinks sold in Scotland that are packaged in single-use containers made from PET plastic, glass, steel or aluminium, sized between 100ml and 3 litres. This includes online retailers selling products into the Scottish market.

The DRS Regulations give SEPA the power to investigate suspected non-compliance and take enforcement action where necessary.

Recruitment and deployment of officers and staff is a matter for the Chief Constable and therefore the Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally. It is important that the Chief Constable has the flexibility to develop his workforce in a way that responds to the challenges he faces by ensuring the right workforce mix and ensure that the right people are in the right place to support the needs of the communities they serve.

The options appraisal on the possible inclusion of justice social work services within a future National Care Service is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023. The completion date may change should Parliament approve the Scottish Government’s request to extend Stage 1 of the National Care (Scotland) Bill beyond June of this year.

The Scottish Government is currently engaging with stakeholders taking into consideration their ambitions and priorities to develop an International Education Strategy which works for Scotland.

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of the Fracture Liaison Service audit and, following the completion of a scoping exercise currently being undertaken by Public Health Scotland, will provide funding. The Scottish Government has advised the Royal Osteoporosis Society that the funding we are able to offer may be up to £150,000 for the first year, but the exact level of funding and the timescale of reporting are expected to be finalised soon.

The review of our Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Offshore Renewable Energy Developments is ongoing. We are using insights gathered from recent stakeholder engagement, alongside input from our steering group and wider research, to develop our approach with a view to consulting on draft guidance later this year. A date for public consultation will be agreed in due course.

We have held four regional engagement sessions with community representatives. The makeup of the sessions was shaped by suggestions from steering group members. An initial session was also held with a group of renewable energy developers, with invitations coordinated by Scottish Renewables. Dates and attendee details are included below.

The purpose of these sessions was to raise awareness of the work and to gather early views; we will of course gather wider input and feedback through the formal consultation process.