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 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/

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 Scottish Government provides Historic Environment Scotland with considerable funding: a total of £72.9m in 2020-21 and £75.9m in 2021-22. Historic Environment Scotland is responding to the safety concerns identified at the properties in care using its existing resources of both Government funding and other income.

I can confirm that while there is restricted access at these specific sites in East Lothian, there is still public access available to the grounds of Tantallon Castle, and to the grounds, exhibition and shop of Dirleton Castle.

The Scottish Government will continue to discuss the sites with restricted access regularly with Historic Environment Scotland, whose programme of prioritised inspections will inform the timescale for reopening.

The Scottish Government does not gather information about the FOI performance of other Scottish public authorities. However, the Member may wish to note that since April 2013 public authorities have submitted FOI handling data to the Scottish Information Commissioner on a quarterly basis: FOI and EIR statistics database (itspublicknowledge.info) .

Individual NHS Boards may hold additional information.

The Scottish Government does not gather information about the FOI performance of other Scottish public authorities. However, the Member may wish to note that since April 2013 public authorities have submitted FOI handling data to the Scottish Information Commissioner on a quarterly basis: FOI and EIR statistics database (itspublicknowledge.info) .

Individual NHS Boards may hold additional information.

The latest available statistics on NHS Waiting Times published up to 31 December 2021 can be accessed using the following link:

https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/publications/nhs-waiting-times-stage-of-treatment/

Public Health Scotland (PHS) notes that at 31 December 2021, 533 patients were waiting for treatment as an inpatient or daycase in NHS Grampian within the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery. 557 patients were waiting for a new outpatient appointment.

To improve waiting times across Scotland, the NHS Recovery Plan was published in August 2021. The 5 year plan will support an increase in inpatient daycase, and outpatient activity to address the backlogs of care, which will be supported by the implementation of sustainable improvements and new models of care.

The Scottish Government does not gather information regarding spending by other public authorities on handling information requests. Any information gathered by NHS Boards, regarding the cost of responding to information requests should be sought directly from the relevant Board.

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