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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 onwards, with a range of backstop dates from 2028 to 2033. We plan to consult during 2022 on our proposals for such regulations, and this will include details of any exemptions, definitions of properties in scope, and matters relating to compliance.

We do not have the information requested as we are still in the test phase of this programme which will help establish eligibility. In this government’s first 100 days, we established six pilot schemes to provide free bikes for school age children who cannot afford one. A further four pilots were then established by the end of 2021. These pilots will run for up to 12 months, testing different approaches and delivery models to help inform a national rollout. Scottish Cycling are running a pilot in North Ayrshire and Cycling Scotland are running a pilot in Renfrewshire. Within these pilots access is being provided through training provision rather than ownership models. For that reason we do not have the specific number of bikes issued, but training is wide spread.

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 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 purpose of the Green Heat Finance Taskforce is to develop a portfolio of innovative financial solutions for building owners in Scotland to ensure that by 2045, our homes and buildings no longer contribute to climate change, as part of the wider just transition to net zero. The Taskforce will be engaging with stakeholders covering both on-gas and off-gas grid properties during 2022. The Scottish Government's Heat in Buildings Strategy has committed to phasing out the need to install new or replacement fossil fuel boilers in off-gas grid homes from 2025, with consideration of additional trigger points and subject to technological developments and decisions by the UK Government in reserved areas. The Scottish Government will consult further on these proposals over the next year.

The membership and remit of the Green Heat Finance Taskforce is available on the Scottish Government website at https://www.gov.scot/groups/heat-in-buildings-green-heat-finance-taskforce/.

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/

In line with Scottish Government policy, we will not provide financial compensation to fishermen for areas closed in order to protect fish spawning, such as those in the Firth of Clyde. This approach is consistent with that take in respect of similar management measures, including the National Cod Avoidance Plan and MPAs.

Whilst we fully understand that the non-continuation of the exemptions may come with short term costs, this seasonal closure covers a short period of 11 weeks, during which vessels may fish in alternative locations, which the vast majority regularly do. This is a more targeted closure than in previous years; the overall size of the closure compared to previous years has been reduced by 28%. The closure will not affect quota and should not affect the overall volume of fish that fishers are able to catch over the year. Moreover, cod and potentially other stocks, should benefit from the closure period, allowing greater fishing opportunities on the reopening of the seasonal closure.

I regularly meet representatives of all Scottish local authorities, and their national body COSLA, to discuss a wide range of issues as part of our commitment to working in partnership with local government to improve outcomes for the people of Scotland.

Information about Ministerial engagements is proactively released on the Scottish Government website. The spreadsheets include a wide-range of information including details of the organisation / individual I met along with the subject discussed.

I regularly meet representatives of all Scottish local authorities, and their national body COSLA, to discuss a wide range of issues as part of our commitment to working in partnership with local government to improve outcomes for the people of Scotland.

Information about Ministerial engagements is proactively released on the Scottish Government website. The spreadsheets include a wide-range of information including details of the organisation / individual I met along with the subject discussed.