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The woodland carbon market is making an important contribution towards our Net Zero targets. Scottish Forestry manages the Woodland Carbon Code which is a UK-wide carbon standard and underpins integrity in the woodland carbon market. The number of validated carbon credits from creating new woodlands in Scotland under the Woodland Carbon Code has risen by over 60% since March 2020. There has been a similar increase across the UK. These figures show that the 50% target has already been met. At the end of September 2022, 6.3 million validated credits had been generated across 249 woodland creation projects in Scotland. This means that these projects are predicted to sequester at least 6.3 million tonnes of CO2 over their lifetimes.

The information requested is not held centrally.

Policy 27 (d) represents a strengthening and restructuring of the policy consulted on in Draft NPF4. In the Draft NPF4 (Policy 26(a)), we consulted on restricting drive-throughs in out of town locations and, in response to what consultees told us and through our broader strategy of transitioning to net zero, the policy has been restructured in a more tightly worded policy in the Revised Draft. The changes maintain the policy intent, while reflecting responses to the consultation. Given this and the extent of engagement, consultation and scrutiny already undertaken, and the fact that we are engaging further, and will continue to do so as we enter the delivery phase of NPF4, no further consultation was required.

As I set out in my answer to question S6W-12387, the Scottish Government has honoured the commitment I made during my visit on 3 November 2021 to provide financial support to Dumfries and Galloway Council. This included £25,000 of capital support, which represents half of the Council’s additional expenditure, in relation to the reinstatement of both the pedestrian river footbridges.

The Scottish Government is committed to investing in Changing Places Toilets over this parliamentary term, in order to increase the number of these facilities across the South Scotland Region and country and to support mobile Changing Places Toilets to allow people easier access to events and outdoor venues.

Funding for the construction of Changing Places Toilets has not yet been allocated. We are progressing the first phase of work in order to design an investment programme that ensures that the Changing Places Toilets which are built are fit for purpose. Further information about this fund will be available next year. We have recently published our Changing Places Toilets: Planning Guide and an accompanying easy read for people who are planning to develop Changing Places Toilets now.

The policy position reflects our commitment to climate change and a town centre first approach, which includes the policy principle of limiting out of town development. The consultation analysis noted that some respondents raised particular issues about drive-throughs, including suggestions that their development must be limited to prevent the cumulative effects of carbon emissions by vehicles. This reflects the need to deliver a cut to carbon emissions by car, as well as reduce kilometres travelled by car by 20% by 2030, in line with wider Scottish Government policies and commitments. On this basis, a strengthened approach has been taken to promote a plan-led approach to drive-through developments.

Further to the list of active groups and sub-groups within the Finance and Economy portfolio provided in answer to question S6W-12330, the last meeting dates for these are set out in the following table:

The Joint Working Group, which includes COSLA and the Scottish Green Party commenced it work, initially focussing on targeted changes to Council Tax to reflect the current circumstances created by the cost crisis. The group will also consider approaches to longer term reform, utilising the development of effective deliberative engagement, on sources of Local Government funding and Council Tax. I will ensure that Parliament is kept appraised of this work at suitable junctures.

Scottish Water is required to test both drinking water and wastewater in line with legislative requirements and to submit these to the relevant regulator. Annual reports are provided by both the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency which provide a commentary on the levels of compliance with mandatory standards. Scottish Water also publishes water quality information which is searchable by postcode.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-12970 on 20 December 2022. 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