Seòmar agus comataidhean

The Scottish Government is not currently introducing on-demand antibody testing.

Immune responses are more complex than the measure of an antibody test. The Chief Medical Officer's advice urges caution around the interpretation of antibody test results, and has advised Health Boards in Scotland to focus on using antibody tests to improve our understanding of COVID-19, and in the clinical management of patients, where appropriate.

Clinicians have the discretion to request an antibody test for an individual if they determine the result will be of benefit to the clinical management of a patient.

We know the vaccine offers significant protection against the virus, and as further research of the immune response to COVID-19 vaccinations in patients with immunosuppressed conditions continues, we would urge those individuals to continue to be cautious to help keep themselves safe.

Research is underway which will help us better understand the immune response to COVID-19, and vaccine efficacy in immunosuppressed groups, and which will be instrumental in helping inform how best to protect immunocompromised individuals from COVID-19 infection in the future.

Our approach to antibody testing is being kept under review.

The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 provides local authorities with a discretionary power to set up workplace parking licensing (WPL) schemes.

As set out in our Climate Change Plan Update, we remain committed to plans to take forward policy consultation in advance of drafting regulations and guidance to enable local authorities to implement WPL schemes, should they wish to do so.WPL schemes have the potential to encourage the use of more sustainable travel modes, reducing congestion, improving air quality and reducing emissions.

The Scottish Government is currently consulting on the regulatory framework and supporting guidance which will underpin local authorities’ WPL schemes, with a view to this being in force in 2022. The consultation is available here: https://www.transport.gov.scot/consultation/workplace-parking-licensing-consultation-on-regulations-and-guidance

It will then be for local authorities to decide whether they wish to implement WPL locally and to shape proposals to suit local circumstances. Local authorities will be required to undertake a public consultation and impact assessments before implementing a WPL scheme.

Zero Waste Scotland have spent the following amount of money on tackling litter from 2015 to 2021:

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-02569 on
‎ 9 September 2021. 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

Woodland creation is central to our meeting Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets. Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 sets out the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase woodland cover to 21% of the total area of Scotland by 2032 and robust, effective deer management is fundamental to the strategies success.

The report by the independent Deer Working Group includes legislative and non-legislative changes and recommendations which will bring the Scottish Forestry Strategy and Scotland’s systems of deer management into closer alignment.

We are working closely with Scottish Forestry, an agency of Scottish Government, and other key partners, including NatureScot who have statutory responsibility for deer management in Scotland, to progress these recommendations which will ensure there are robust systems of deer management in place within the forestry sector.

Following the publication of Guidance on the provision of wheelchairs on short term loan in March 2021 ( https://www.gov.scot/publications/guidance-provision-wheelchairs-short-term-loan/ ) Scottish Government officials will shortly commence a 6 month review of implementation with Health and Social Care Partnerships, who have delegated responsibility for the provision of community equipment, including short-term wheelchair loans.

The review will seek an update on local areas progress towards implementation and will also offer implementation support to any areas requiring it. Following the 6 month review we would expect the guidance to be fully implemented across all Health and Social Care Partnerships by March 2022.

The First Minister announced in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government on 7 September that this Government will carry out scoping work on the remit and powers of a Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill, in this Parliamentary year.

A decision on the timing of a Bill will be taken by Cabinet in the context of setting the content of future legislative programmes. Meantime, the Scottish Government will work closely with stakeholders to consider the issues and how to deliver change quickly and effectively to uphold people’s rights.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-02569 on
‎ 9 September 2021. 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

The Scottish Government aims to carry out scoping work on the remit and powers of a Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Commissioner in this Parliamentary year.

Following the successful passage of a Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill, a Commissioner would be appointed as soon as possible.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-02569 on
‎ 9 September 2021. 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