Seòmar agus comataidhean

The Heat in Buildings Strategy confirms our intention to introduce, subject to consultation, minimum energy efficiency regulations, equivalent to EPC C where that is technically feasible and cost effective from 2025.

These regulations will apply to private-rented homes by 2028. We plan to consult during 2022 on how these regulations will work in practice, considering whether any obligations may apply at the end of a tenancy, how long landlords may have to comply with any requirements, and the effects on tenants.

The requirement to meet the proposed energy efficiency standard will be predicated on it being technically feasible and cost effective as we recognise that some properties may be more constrained in terms of technology options available, or limited by location, impact on the fabric of historic buildings, property type or, space.

The information requested is not held centrally.

Ahead of the introduction of any legislation on minimum energy performance standards, the Scottish Government will undertake a suite of impact assessments on its proposals, which will have been informed by consultation to be undertaken over the next year. These impact assessments will enable any mitigating actions to be considered.

The Scottish Government recognises that the proposals to set minimum energy efficiency and zero emissions targets for domestic properties will affect a range of stakeholders, and will consider relevant impacts during our planned consultation on the regulatory pathway and the setting of standards, as laid out in the Heat in Buildings Strategy. This will include the building insurance industry, mortgage lenders and all those impacted by the proposals.

The Heat in Buildings Strategy confirms our intention to introduce, subject to consultation, regulations requiring Scotland’s homes to meet EPC Band C equivalent, where that is technically feasible and cost effective from 2025. We plan to consult during 2022 on our proposals for such regulations, and this will include details of any exemptions including those linked to cost and availability of finance, clarity on the burden of responsibility, and matters relating to compliance and enforcement.

Under the Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Regulations 2020, producers must register with SEPA either directly or via a scheme administrator for their products to be sold legally onto the Scottish market. In line with the full implementation date that I announced in my statement to Parliament on 14 December 2021, the window for producers to make such registrations will run from 1 January-28 February 2023.

SEPA’s digital registration service is currently in development and will be online from 1 January 2023 in accordance with the producer registration window.

The Agricultural Policy Development Group (APDG) was established in September 2021 (as referred to at ARIOB on 30 September 2021: https://www.gov.scot/publications/agriculture-reform-oversight-implementation-board-minutes-30-september-2021/ ) as part of the Scottish Government’s approach to developing future agricultural policy and support. It enables government officials to discuss and share policy proposals and to get the input of key stakeholder interests to their development. In addition to Scottish Government officials, the APDG currently comprises representatives from NFU Scotland, from Environment LINK and an independent individual with extensive government and industry experience and expertise.

The Group’s Terms of Reference can be reviewed here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/agriculture-policy-development-group-terms-of-reference/

Crofting interests on the Board are represented through NFU Scotland as well as the Chair of the Scottish Crofting Federation, Donald McKinnon. This is not the only route for stakeholders to input their proposals as part of this work and we would welcome all relevant organisations engaging with officials to provide their thoughts and ideas on current and future aspects of the National Test Programme. In particular, we would welcome stakeholder organisations encouraging their members and supporters to participate in the National Test Programme. There will also be a full consultation on future policy and legislative proposals for rural support.

The Academic Advisory Panel (AAP) was established to provide independent scientific and academic context for planning agricultural reforms.

The AAP’s Terms of Reference can be reviewed here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/academic-advisory-panel-terms-of-reference/

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-06145 on 1 March 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

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-06145 on‎ 1 March 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

Details of the number of asthma annual review appointments is not collected centrally. However, the Scottish Government recognises that annual asthma reviews are an important element in enabling people with asthma to self-manage their condition. That is why asthma reviews form an important priority in our Respiratory Care Action Plan for Scotland and are already a key recommendation in national clinical guidelines.

Since the start of the pandemic, the NHS in Scotland has been dealing with the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 which meant that some procedures and appointments were postponed to ensure the safety of patients and staff. This has resulted in many appointments being delivered differently or being delayed due to the additional challenges in delivering services.

However, we fully expect that patients be treated in line with their clinical priority and in these circumstances, we expect GP Practices to schedule appointments or advise of alternative arrangements as soon as clinically appropriate.

We advise anyone who has any concerns regarding their asthma to contact their GP practice. They will be best placed to provide specific advice and support based on individual circumstances.

STPR2 did not recommend further work on the business case development of this proposed fixed link after being considered at the detailed appraisal stage.

An engineering assessment of the shortest possible road tunnel and alternate bridge option, which measured 15kms and 12kms respectively, concluded that both options were currently impractical to construct. The tunnel on the grounds of fire safety and the bridge due to the potential length of span required over the deepest section of water.

Furthermore, while the STPR2 Case for Change for the Highlands and Islands Region highlighted issues relating to the resilience of island connections, no analysis undertaken through the STPR2 process supported a conclusion that a fixed link connection between the Orkney Islands and Scottish mainland would address this strategic problem. Instead, STPR2 recommendation 24, recommends the renewal and replacement of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services and Northern Isles Ferry Services vessels including progressive decarbonisation by 2045.