Friday 29 September 2017 SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

Transcription

1 Friday 29 September 2017 SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Economy Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what the top 50 onshore wind farms are in terms of installed capacity, broken down by the (a) amount of community benefit paid per MW, (b) local authority in which each is based, (c) date from which community benefit has been paid and (d) amount of community benefit paid to date. Holding answer issued: 25 September 2017 (S5W-11161) Paul Wheelhouse: Local Energy Scotland who deliver our Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) maintain a voluntary register of community benefits payments. All developers of renewable energy developments and local communities in receipt of community benefit payments are encouraged to use the register. The following information is recorded: Name of Developers, Name of Development, Location, Capacity and Details of the Community Benefit Package. The Register can be viewed at Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it has the power to make renewable energy generators declare the amount of community benefit they are paying. Holding answer issued: 25 September 2017 (S5W-11162) Paul Wheelhouse: The Scottish Government has no powers to make renewable energy generators declare the amount of community benefit payments committed to or paid out. However to ensure openness and transparency into the process we established a Community Benefit register and encourage all generators to complete when community benefits arrangements have been agreed. The register is maintained on our behalf by Local Energy Scotland and can be found at Richard Lochhead (Moray) (Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether projects involving renewable energy technologies other than wind should pay community benefit. Holding answer issued: 25 September 2017 (S5W-11163) Paul Wheelhouse: The Scottish Government's position is outlined in our Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy Developments, which states we would wish to see community benefits promoted across all renewable technologies. The Good Practice Principles can be viewed at: Dean Lockhart (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many staff are employed by Scottish Development International at its (a) London, (b) Berlin, (c) Paris, (d) Brazil, (e) Denmark and (f) Dusseldorf hub. (S5W-11303) Keith Brown: Please see information as at 31 March 2017 relating to staff employed by SDI at the referenced locations in the following table. Hub Total London Innovation and Investment Hub 10 Germany Berlin No personnel have yet been recruited for Berlin n/a France Paris Field Office 9 Brazil Rio de Janeiro Office 2 Denmark Copenhagen Field Office 4 Germany Dusseldorf Field Office 7

2 Please note, although SDI has representation in Rio de Janeiro, Copenhagen and Dusseldorf these locations are not categorised as hubs. Dean Lockhart (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what the budget is for the Scottish Development International (a) London, (b) Berlin, (c) Paris, (d) Brazil, (e) Denmark and (f) Dusseldorf hub. (S5W-11304) Keith Brown: The Scottish Government innovation and investment hubs in London and Dublin are supported from a budget of 4m for which also supports the expansion of SDI staff footprint in Europe. Proposed hubs in Berlin and Paris will also be supported from this budget. Brazil, Denmark and Dusseldorf are not hubs but are part of the SDI presence internationally. SDI do not ring-fence budgets for each of their locations separately but rather flex their budget across their portfolio in response to market demands. Graham Simpson (Central Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government how much it is investing into research on the offsite construction sector. (S5W-11311) Paul Wheelhouse: The Scottish Government recognises the potential for the development of offsite construction (OSC) in Scotland as a way to improve quality, energy efficiency and build rate. Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise currently support construction related businesses throughout Scotland that have an offsite aspect to their activity to improve their productivity and manufacturing capability. We have previously published guidelines on the use of OSC in both the Greener Homes Prospectus and Scotland s Sustainable Housing Strategy as part of the review of Public Sector Procurement. We have also commissioned the Scottish Futures Trust to undertake research on this topic, which will be made available, in due course, as guidance for contracting authorities. In addition, we will continue to encourage all public authorities to consider the use of OSC on construction projects where appropriate and are keen to support innovation in the sector. Graham Simpson (Central Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what consideration was given to construction manufacturing when preparing its Programme for Government, and for what reason it did not include this as a focus for legislation. (S5W-11313) Paul Wheelhouse: The Scottish Government recognises that construction industry is a core sector of the Scottish economy, and continues to work collaboratively with the industry and its leaders. We are using all levers at our disposal to maximise investment and support economic growth - our existing overall infrastructure investment programme of 4 billion in will support around 30,000 full time equivalent jobs across Scotland. The construction sector is very well placed to benefit from increased investment through our enterprise agencies in innovation and from funding in areas such as low carbon heating and energy efficiency. Graham Simpson (Central Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce incentives for the construction industry to encourage innovation. (S5W-11314) Paul Wheelhouse: The Scottish Government is committed to encouraging a higher take-up of innovation and to ensuring this happens more widely across the business base, in all places and sectors. As regards to the construction sector, we have provided funding, via the Scottish Funding Council, for the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) which provides businesses with a one-stop shop

3 for accessing a team of experts and public support which includes access to state of the art production, prototyping and technology equipment that allows companies to develop new products and modern methods of construction. Since its launch in 2014, and as a result of additional industry investment, the CSIC has safeguarded and created hundreds of jobs and there is evidence that Scottish construction businesses are realising efficiencies, increasing productivity, and building new partnerships. Of course it is early in the life of the CSIC and it may only be possible to fully assess the economic impact of this investment once the CSIC has had more time to shift the dial on innovation activity. Maurice Golden (West Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what impact its plan to phase out new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032 will have on how much the country's electricity (a) suppliers and (b) generators will pay in (i) Transmission Network Use of System and (ii) Balancing Services Use of System charges. (S5W-11351) Roseanna Cunningham: The detailed impacts of electric vehicle (EV) uptake and integration will depend on many factors, including the increasing use of smart technologies to manage the interface between EVs and the electricity networks, as well as the ways in which future networks are operated and regulated. The Scottish Government will work closely with Ofgem, and with the network owners and operators, as these solutions and approaches are developed. Adam Tomkins (Glasgow) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase levels of domestic overnight tourism in Scotland, which reportedly dropped by 30% in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the same period in the previous year. (S5W-11356) Fiona Hyslop: The Scottish Government continues to work closely both with its public agencies and with the Scottish Tourism Alliance to ensure that the tourism industry remains a key growth sector for the Scottish economy and maximises opportunities both in UK and overseas markets. As an example of our commitment to encourage domestic tourism, VisitScotland undertakes award winning marketing campaigns to encourage people across the UK to visit Scotland and to extend the traditional tourism season across the year. It should be noted that the 2016 statistics up to the first quarter include Easter, which is an important holiday in terms of overnight stays. Easter Sunday fell in March in 2016, but in 2017 will appear in the second quarter statistics as Easter Sunday was on 16 April. To ensure a consistent statistical approach, the Scottish Government monitors visit numbers over a twelve month period. When compared to the same period the year before, for the twelve months to the end of March 2017, a 10% decrease in domestic overnight visits to Scotland and 3% increase in international overnights visits was recorded. Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what the (a) membership and (b) budget will be of the proposed South of Scotland Economic Partnership. (S5W-11360) Keith Brown: On 13 September, I confirmed that the interim South of Scotland Economic Partnership will bring together organisations to support economic growth in the South of Scotland and will involve public and private partners to ensure that the area sees benefits as soon as is possible. I look forward to confirming the full membership shortly. Consideration of the funding requirements to support the interim partnership is being undertaken alongside all the other budget requirements across the Scottish Government as part of the Draft Budget process. We will ensure that investment and budgets to support economic growth in the south of Scotland are strongly aligned to deliver maximum impact.

4 Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government who will appoint the chairperson of the South of Scotland Economic Partnership and when the appointment will be made. (S5W-11362) Keith Brown: On 13 September, I confirmed that the interim South of Scotland Economic Partnership will be established by the end of the year. Ministers will appoint the chairperson as part of the establishment of the partnership. Dean Lockhart (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government what resources it will contribute towards the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Deal, and when it expects the negotiations regarding the deal to conclude. (S5W-11380) Paul Wheelhouse: Tripartite discussions on the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal between the Scottish Government, the UK Government and the regional partners began earlier this year. We are currently working closely with the partners to understand their ambitions and proposals and how they could make a clear and measurable significant long-term contribution to delivering greater prosperity and fairness for the region and for Scotland as a whole. We are giving all proposals our full consideration and, depending on the progress made through tripartite discussions, we hope to be able to reach a Heads of Terms agreement within the next six months. The scale of the Deal, and the projects included within it, will be subject to negotiation between both the Scottish and UK Governments and the city region partners. Education, Communities and Justice Adam Tomkins (Glasgow) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the proposed closure of 58 Police Scotland buildings, including police stations, which was announced in November (S5W-11357) Michael Matheson: The responsibility for the police estate sits with the Scottish Police Authority. At its meeting on 28 September 2017, the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) approved a proposal for Police Scotland to formally engage with local communities, partners and stakeholders in respect of 53 empty - or soon to be empty - premises which they propose are no longer required to provide policing services. The 58 locations identified by Police Scotland, through an FOI release, in November 2016 were to be subject to consultation and a range of outcomes were anticipated. Formal consultation on the disposal of 18 of these locations will be undertaken as part of the forthcoming exercise. Consultations have already been undertaken on a further six locations, with disposal agreed by the SPA. The remaining 34 locations are not being considered for disposal. Kezia Dugdale (Lothian) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to reduce the expulsion rates of looked-after young people in schools. John Swinney: Virtually no children are expelled from Scottish schools. (S5W-11403) The Scottish Government recognises the important role of our education system and the need to provide a positive and inclusive learning experience for all school pupils. We have taken a number of steps to reduce the incidences of school exclusions and close the attainment gap to improve the health and wellbeing of our children and young people, and maximise their future opportunities. On 19 June 2017 we published our refreshed guidance on preventing and managing school exclusions. This focuses on the importance of early intervention measures to prevent the need for exclusion and it

5 promotes the importance of positive relationships in schools, recognising that exclusion should only be used as a last resort. The guidance also highlights the importance of schools and education authorities recognising the impact that exclusion can have, particularly on disadvantaged children. We recognise that excluded and disengaged learners need additional support which is why Education Scotland provides support and advice through a range of national networks and working parties for third sector groups who are working to improve educational outcomes for learners at risk of being excluded. Transport Scotland Lewis Macdonald (North East Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on introducing a campervan levy. (S5W-11443) Humza Yousaf: The Scottish Government is mindful of the increased demands on ferry services given the affordability of travel following the full roll out of Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) in the Western Isles. The reduction of fares to RET levels has had a positive impact on island communities, boosting local tourist trade and local economies. We want to see this continue, however we are aware that there have been some challenges for those wishing to travel to and from remote and island communities. Along with operators, we will continue to monitor Scotland s ferry services and frequently review service provision to and from the islands, including all options in regard to demand management measures. John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government how many times the Expert Ferry Group has met since 2013, and on what date it will next meet. (S5W-11444) Humza Yousaf: The Expert Ferry Group has met nine times since it was established. The next meeting of the Group is planned for later this year. John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact that the Ferry Procurement Review could have on the (a) delivery and (b) cost of new vessels for the Clyde and Hebrides network. (S5W-11445) Humza Yousaf: The policy review is concerned with the future approach to the procurement of ferry service operators. The delivery and cost of new vessels for the Clyde and Hebrides will continue to be considered as part of the Vessel Replacement and Deployment Plan (VRDP). Below is the link to the latest published VRDP: final.pdf John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that the views of trade unions are represented on the Expert Ferry Group. (S5W-11446) Humza Yousaf: Membership of the Expert Ferry Group is on the basis of an individual s knowledge and expertise rather than as a representative of a particular stakeholder group. Members of the Expert Ferry Group includes key transport professionals, academics and operators of ferry services. The trade unions are not represented on this group, with separate arrangements applying to allow dialogue between the Minister for Transport and the Islands and the trade union on matters of relevance to the trade unions. The Minister meets regularly with the relevant trade unions and the STUC.

6 John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish Green Party): To ask the Scottish Government which of the recommendations made by the Expert Ferry Group it has (a) rejected and (b) accepted and (i) implemented and (ii) is yet to implement. (S5W-11447) Humza Yousaf: To date the Expert Ferry Group has not published any specific group recommendations. Minutes of Expert Ferry Group meetings, indicating aspects which have been explored and discussed are published on the Transport Scotland website. Lewis Macdonald (North East Scotland) (Scottish Labour): To ask the Scottish Government whether the comment by the Minister for International Development and Europe on Good Morning Scotland on 21 September 2017 that (a) extra capacity is required on ferries to and from the Western Isles and (b) there should be a levy on drivers of campervans visiting the Western Isles represents government policy and, if so, when this was agreed. Humza Yousaf: Dr Allan s comments were made in his capacity as constituency MSP. (S5W-11449) Dr Allan has written to me asking what consideration the Scottish Government might give to a scheme for an additional levy on ferry fares to enable a fund that would allow communities to direct investment for the provision of facilities for motorhomes and other parts of the tourist industry. The Scottish Government has made a substantial investment in the Stornoway-Ullapool route, including the 42 million MV Loch Seaforth and the majority of the funding for the recent harbour upgrades at Ullapool and Stornoway. This is in addition to continuing to fund significantly reduced fares through the RET scheme since The Vessel Replacement and Deployment Plan keeps forecasted demand under review on an annual basis and helps develop long-term investment plans to meet this demand. The most recent Plan, published in December 2016, identified the Stornoway-Ullapool and Uig-Tarbert-Lochmaddy routes as ones where demand pressures were growing and committed to a comprehensive appraisal of future options, which will commence later this year. The following questions received holding answers: S5M S5M S5M S5M S5M-11332