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While we have not undertaken a review of the implementation of the surcharge which may be applied to applications which are submitted where development has been carried out without permission.

We continue to liaise with Heads of Planning Scotland to understand the impact of the changes to planning fees implemented in 2022, on the overall resourcing of planning services.

Over the last 5 years, Scottish Water’s workforce has remained broadly stable at around 4,500 employees. It supports thousands of additional jobs through its supply chain and provides information on this in its Annual Reports, available at www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Document-Hub/Key-Publications/Annual-Reports . In 2022-23, 75% of its supply chain was made up of SMEs and more than 90% of its spend was on organisations located in Scotland.

The completion of an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) is a matter for Scottish Water. Scottish Water has confirmed that an EIA was carried out and updated as necessary.

Scottish Water holds information for seven years, in line with HMRC guidance. The following information has been provided for the last seven years across water and waste water. A new framework was put in place in 2021-22.

I can confirm that I announced the opening of the “Next Generation Practical Training Fund Pilot” at AgriScot on 22 November 2023. This fund will offer up to £500 per person for relevant practical land-based courses for new and young entrants.

The development of the fund has been spearheaded through the Farming Opportunities for New Entrants (FONE) Group, chaired by Henry Graham, and I am very grateful that he continues to provide his valuable time and effort to progress this work effectively with officials and industry stakeholders.

Scottish Water sets out information on its supply chain and broader expenditure in its Annual Reports, available at www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Document-Hub/Key-Publications/Annual-Reports .

Scottish Water publishes its procurement strategy and reports on its website at www.scottishwater.co.uk/Help-and-Resources/Document-Hub/Key-Publications/Procurement-and-Supply .

All Scottish Water contracts, including awardees, are available at www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Search .

The industrial action and pay negotiations are a matter for Scottish Water as the employer and the recognised Trade Unions. Correspondence was received from UNISON, GMB and Unite.

Under the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004, it is an offence to sell aerosol paint to anyone under the age of 16. We believe that the current legislation protects young people and helps to prevent graffiti, while ensuring those wishing to buy spray paint for legitimate purposes can do so. The Scottish Government therefore has no plans to change the legislation at this time.