Energy Profits Levy (Discussions)
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the United Kingdom Government about the impact of its energy profits levy on business confidence, investment and jobs in Scotland. (S6O-05106)
I have had multiple discussions with my UK Government counterparts on that issue, and I have also written directly to the minister on it.
As introduced by the Conservative Government, the energy profits levy was always supposed to be a temporary measure, and we must see the earliest possible end date for it, or a complete reform of it, as it is now affecting investment and jobs in the north-east, including in the low-carbon energy sector and the energy supply chain.
The fiscal regime for offshore oil and gas is reserved to the UK Government, but I will continue to raise those concerns with the UK Government and call upon it to bring forward at the budget a stable and long-term fiscal regime to replace the EPL and deliver business and investor certainty for the North Sea.
Data from the UK Offshore Energies Association and Scottish Renewables shows that £40 billion of investment could be unlocked if the energy profits levy were to be replaced. That would deliver £137 billion of gross value added to the UK economy and safeguard 160,000 jobs, building on the 47,000 jobs and £15.5 billion of output that are already supported by Scotland’s renewable energy industry and the supply chain. What is the Scottish Government continuing to do to persuade the UK Government to abolish the energy profits levy in its forthcoming budget and replace it with a successor regime that focuses on protecting and growing energy jobs?
The data that Kevin Stewart has cited is from a range of industry bodies, and it emphasises what I said in response to his first question. Alongside other parts of the UK economy, the offshore energy sector must be treated fairly to unlock investment and ensure that workers are at the heart of a just transition by protecting their jobs for as long as possible. That is why we will continue to call on the UK Government to bring forward at the budget a stable and long-term fiscal regime that will replace the EPL and deliver much-needed business and investor certainty for the North Sea.
The EPL is destroying the oil and gas industry, but so is the Scottish National Party’s presumption against oil and gas, which the former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was celebrating again last night. Does the cabinet secretary not recognise that, while the SNP has a presumption against oil and gas, and while it will not support Rosebank or Cambo, she has a brass neck to come here and pretend to support the industry?
Our view is that climate compatibility assessments and checkpoints should inform any decision that the UK Government makes on new licences, and that domestic energy security must also be a consideration.
I would ask Douglas Lumsden whether he agrees with his former leader, Theresa May, that the UK should be net zero by 2050, but we all know the answer to that.
Ayrshire Growth Deal (Update)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the progress of the Ayrshire growth deal. (S6O-05107)
Significant effort is being made by partners across the Ayrshire growth deal to accelerate delivery of that important programme, which will see Scottish Government invest more than £100 million in Ayrshire. Construction is now under way on the £35 million Ayrshire innovation park, which will support the advanced manufacturing, engineering and food and drink sectors. Phase 1 of the £14 million great harbour project is nearing completion and the Scottish and UK Governments recently approved a request from partners to progress a new approach for the Prestwick proposition, which will pave the way for significant investment to support the Prestwick cluster.
Will the Government tell us why only 5 per cent of the £251 million that was allocated to the project in 2020 has been spent? We have also seen the recent cancellation of projects such as the Prestwick spaceport. Has the minister considered appointing an independent chair to push the project along?
The point of a growth deal is that local partners have a key role in making decisions. The Government will continue to make funds available for projects and will work with local partners to do what we can to ensure that projects are taken forward. Local input is hugely important.
This week, I met a community group with a particular interest in restoring the pilot house. Although the pilot house appeared in plans for the great harbour and the maritime mile in Irvine, I understand that an expected feasibility study on restoring it might not be funded. Does the minister, like me, recognise the potential in protecting such unique heritage sites? Further to that, does he recognise that, when communities’ expectations and aspirations are raised in respect of growth deals, it is crucial that they are met?
I understand that the great harbour project, which has been led by North Ayrshire Council, intends to deliver improvements to the setting and facade of the pilot house as part of a wider project that aims to create a unique waterfront destination in Irvine. The Scottish Government has not been closely involved in the specifics of the support for the feasibility study on the pilot house, but I will instruct officials to speak directly with the council to learn more about the issue and provide the member with a response by correspondence.
Forth Valley College (Alloa Campus)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what action it is taking to safeguard the future of the Alloa campus of Forth Valley College. (S6O-05108)
Last week, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and I met the principal of Forth Valley College and the Scottish Funding Council to discuss progress, next steps and how the Scottish Government can further help to safeguard the future of the Alloa campus. I am assured that the principal is committed to finding a solution, taking into account the needs of the community, local employers and the wider region.
The SFC is supporting those efforts by providing additional funding to support an urgent feasibility study to identify all possible options for the campus. We will ensure that all relevant public sector bodies play their part in that. I also plan to visit the Alloa campus soon, and I will endeavour to keep Mr Brown updated.
Given the vital role that further education colleges such as Forth Valley College play in improving opportunities and life chances for people from our most deprived communities including Clackmannanshire, which has some of the most deprived communities in Scotland, will the Scottish Government support the Scottish Funding Council’s requiring colleges to ensure that there is a minimum level of course provision in those areas? For example, it could mandate that a set number of credits be delivered at campuses such as Alloa and that similar safeguards be applied consistently across Scotland.
Will the minister ask the Funding Council to meet me so that I can make clear the extent to which we are having to deal with a college board that is determined to end further education provision? What can be done to stop that approach?
Keith Brown raises some important points and in recent weeks has advocated for his constituents in Alloa admirably on those issues. I am happy to impress on the Funding Council that it should meet Mr Brown, and I am also happy to meet him to explore the ideas that he has raised in the chamber.
The Scottish Government recognises the vital role that our colleges play in their local communities. We will sustain our investment in the sector, and we remain committed to giving young people and others who are retraining the opportunity to gain the skills that they need to succeed, with the ability to do so in their locality, as that will help our economy grow and prosper.
There has been a campus in the Alloa area since the 1960s, and it would be a disaster if it were to close. Does the minister recognise the massive financial pressures that colleges are under? Will he do more to ensure the future of colleges in Clackmannanshire and across the country?
As I have recently been articulating in the chamber, the Scottish Government and I recognise the challenges that our college sector is facing and the various publications that there have been on that in recent weeks. I am keen to work with Mr Rowley and all members across the chamber on how we can create a sustainable future for our colleges, given the important role that they play in communities, in addressing poverty and in the future of our economy. I am grateful for the excellent and constructive engagement that I have had so far with Colleges Scotland on how we can support our college sector in the period ahead.
Council Tax Proposals
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made regarding the number of households whose council tax bills could rise as a result of the proposals in its consultation on the future of council tax. (S6O-05109)
The consultation on the future of council tax does not set out a specific proposal for change. The scenarios are not Government policy; the consultation instead seeks views on a range of illustrative options, with the aim of building a consensus. Independent analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies that was published alongside the consultation provides a detailed assessment of those models. The IFS also modelled a number of transitional and mitigation schemes that would each impact on the overall assessment of the different models. I encourage the member to read the IFS report.
Glaswegians with a band E property have seen their council tax increase by 42 per cent since the Scottish National Party came to power. This SNP Government starves councils, which leads to serious cuts in services and people paying more and getting less.
These people are not rich, and many struggle to get by. In my constituency, Morag, who is a single, widowed pensioner who has been living in her home for 50 years, cannot afford to pay more on her fixed pension income. Does the minister think that it is right to continue to hammer those people?
The member might have forgotten that the Scottish Government implemented a council tax freeze for many years. Council tax bills in Scotland—[Interruption.]
Let us hear one another.
Council tax bills in Scotland are many hundreds of pounds cheaper than those south of the border, where the member’s party was in control for most of that period. There are significant savings for Scottish council tax payers. The member should reflect on that and on the fact that his party is never shy to stand up and ask for more investment, but always does so at the same time as calling for tax cuts, which clearly demonstrates its inability to understand fiscal matters.
Town Centres (Sustainability)
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure the sustainability of town centres. (S6O-05110)
The Scottish Government is committed to supporting vibrant, thriving towns and town centres and to putting them at the heart of investment and planning decisions through the town centre first principle and delivery of the town centre action plan. National planning framework 4 further embeds that approach by recognising town centres as national assets.
Over recent years, support for town centre regeneration has been backed by our regeneration capital investment programmes, as well as our support for Scotland’s Towns Partnership and the Scotland Loves Local programme. That continues in 2025-26 with regeneration investment of more than £62 million, which includes support for town centres.
I was delighted to speak last night at the cross-party group on towns and town centres and to recognise the great work that is happening across the country, including in Paisley, which has been recognised as Scotland’s town of the year.
I was not going to mention that, as I mentioned it last week. The minister will be aware of the major regeneration work that is under way in Paisley town centre, including plans to explore future use of the Paisley Centre site. This week, Renfrewshire Council confirmed that it will work with the developer to move that important project forward. Will the minister commit to engaging with Renfrewshire Council, once its proposals are ready, to help to ensure the best possible outcome for Paisley?
We are always keen to ensure the best possible outcome for Paisley and other towns across Scotland. I am aware of the plans that have been put forward by the owners of the Paisley Centre, and the Scottish Government remains in close contact with the local council and the developer, Beyond Retail, on those ambitious plans. I understand that discussions are on-going between the developer and Renfrewshire Council to understand the feasibility and viability of the project and to seek assurance over the proposed development plans. As the member will be aware, any decision rests with Renfrewshire Council in the first instance, but the Scottish Government will closely follow the project as it moves forward.
Electricity-generating Stations (Planning)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to increase the current threshold of 50MW for approval by its energy consents unit of onshore electricity-generating stations, to allow more decisions to be taken by local planning authorities. (S6O-05111)
The Scottish Government will consult on increasing the current threshold of 50MW for applications for onshore electricity-generating stations to be considered by local authorities.
We will also consult on our new regulatory powers over Electricity Act 1989 applications through the United Kingdom Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Those new powers will enable changes to be made to address many of the concerns raised by local communities and to provide earlier, more structured engagement opportunities and better alignment with local planning procedures.
Decisions such as those about the 500MW battery storage plant at Rothienorman should be taken by local planning authorities. Before the cabinet secretary jets off on her latest taxpayer-funded jaunt to sell Scotland’s countryside to the highest bidder—[Interruption.]
Let us hear Mr Lumsden.
Will the cabinet secretary explain to her constituents in Aberdeenshire East why local democracy is being ignored and energy projects are being decided by central belt, eco-zealot bureaucrats who are not answerable to local residents? [Interruption.]
Well—what to say to that? Decisions about energy consents are made by local authorities if they fall under the threshold and by the Scottish Government if they are over the threshold. Regulations are put in place to determine the processes that are followed, and those processes are regulated by the United Kingdom Government.
I was about to say that I am looking forward to reading Douglas Lumsden’s submission to the consultation but, after that diatribe, I do not know whether I am. [Interruption.]
Let us not be shouting at one another.
School Swimming Provision
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of school swimming provision, including the number of children who leave primary school unable to swim. (S6O-05112)
The Scottish Government believes that every child should be given the opportunity to learn to swim. Swimming is a life skill that can save lives. There is currently no requirement to report a child’s swimming ability, either locally or nationally, but Scottish Swimming estimates that 25 to 30 per cent of children leave primary school unable to swim.
School swimming reduces poverty-related barriers for children and has a significant role to play in addressing inequalities. We are continuing to work with key stakeholders to ensure that all children have the opportunity to become confident, safer and competent swimmers.
Research from Scottish Swimming has found that only 16 per cent of community swimming lesson participants come from the most deprived 20 per cent of areas in Scotland, and the cost of lessons has more than doubled since 2018. Cost should not be a barrier to accessing a life-saving skill, yet thousands of children are missing out on crucial water safety skills.
Last year, there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland. As well as each drowning being a tragic loss of life, each one is estimated by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to cost £1.7 million. It is estimated that investing in school swimming would cost only £6 million.
When will the Scottish Government take the matter seriously and make the national primary school swimming framework a priority, to ensure that every child in Scotland gets access to that life-saving skill?
Mr Bibby picked out a couple of points. The Scottish Government continues to fund RoSPA’s provision of operational support to Water Safety Scotland so that it can lead a co-ordinated and preventative approach to water safety.
The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and the Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy and Sport have met Scottish Swimming to discuss the school swimming framework. It remains an ambition to double the sports budget before the end of this session of Parliament. Should that be delivered, the Scottish Government will support the implementation of the school swimming framework nationwide. We understand how important it is for children to have those opportunities, given what they mean for both safety and future life opportunities.
Shawhead Coal Spoil Fire
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with North Lanarkshire Council regarding the reported coal spoil fire in Shawhead, Coatbridge, and any assurances that can be given to the public. (S6O-05113)
My officials have been in touch with North Lanarkshire Council and have been updated on the progress that has been made towards safely resolving the underground smouldering at the site in Coatbridge. Work has been led by specialist environmental engineers, in close co-ordination with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Air quality monitoring is carried out daily. The latest monitoring results show that air quality levels remain well within safe limits, and independent analysis confirms no exceedances of health-based thresholds.
Residents in the immediate area have received regular updates via letter, the council website and social media.
I thank North Lanarkshire Council and highlight its work in this fairly unusual and rare situation. It has been very proactive. I have an update meeting next week with the chief officer responsible and the local ward councillors.
Given that the situation is not common, the most pressing concern for people in the area is whether the emissions that they are experiencing are safe. Can the Scottish Government provide any further assurances that the treatment of such coal spoil fires does not impact on the health of residents? Does the cabinet secretary believe that there is scope for public education to prevent such fires from occurring in the future?
As I said in my first answer, those involved are doing everything to suppress the smoke. Additional sand continues to be used effectively to suppress smoke and smouldering. Thermal imaging and temperature mapping confirm that the smouldering remains contained. Contractors and geotechnical specialists remain on site daily, with regular meetings taking place between the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service as part of the process.
That concludes general question time. Before we move to the next item of business, I invite members to join me in welcoming to the gallery Kenneth G Forslund, First Deputy Speaker of the Swedish Parliament, and Julia Kronlid, Second Deputy Speaker of the Swedish Parliament. [Applause.]
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