Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government has no role in the provision of student accommodation, whether in purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) and university and college halls of residence, the private rented sector or student housing cooperatives. However, we are determined to improve accessibility, affordability and standards across student accommodation and the private rented sector as a whole.

A report by the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) which was commissioned by Scottish Government to inform the next stages of its review of PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) and any recommendations to Ministers, was published on 12 December 2022. The review looked at a number of issues, including cost, contract terms, tenancy agreements, planning and regulation, specialist accommodation, support for students, and supply. The PBSA Review Steering Group met on 3 February to consider the findings of the CACHE research, and the Group will submit recommendations to Ministers on forward priorities for improving student accommodation in due course.

I have commissioned an urgent review of the environmental impacts and management of single-use vapes. Zero Waste Scotland will lead on the review, which will examine available evidence and consider potential options to tackle the issue.

The review will consider of a range of approaches, including options to enhance the safe recycling of disposed products and device components, such as lithium batteries.

We will consider the evidence and expert advice and bring forward policy options in due course.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-14122 on 9 February 2023. 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

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-14415 on 9 February 2023. 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 use of MS Ambition was always intended to be a temporary measure and the contact will end on 31 March. Our Priority now is on moving people safely from the ship and towards longer-term accommodation. As part of the joint Glasgow City Council-Scottish Government ‘Disembarkation Strategy’, the council is leading a regional approach with neighbouring authorities to maximise the number of suitable volunteer hosts and social housing opportunities for guests on board. Where a guest refuses a host or social housing offer or where there is no suitable alternative they will be allocated further welcome accommodation before the closure of MS Ambition. However, this may be in a different part of Scotland.

Information on expenditure on the programme is published quarterly: https://www.gov.scot/publications/single-building-assessment-spending-information/

The recently published figures have additional information that show committed spend on remediation of £148,000.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-14412 on 9 February 2023. 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

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-14412 on 9 February 2023. 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

While the BBC is operationally and editorially independent, the Scottish Government recognises and shares the music sector’s disappointment with the decision to decommission some cultural music programming on Radio Scotland.

We acknowledge the challenging financial position the BBC is in, which has been exacerbated by the UK Government’s decision to freeze the licence fee, and shift responsibility for funding free licences for over-75s onto the BBC’s shoulders.

However, any reduction in the breadth of BBC Scotland’s offering, including its cultural music content, is a matter of concern. Certain musical forms, such as piping or jazz, are not traditionally thought of as mainstream musical offerings so the BBC coverage is essential to ensure people are able to access them.

It’s important that the BBC listens to these concerns. We engage with BBC Scotland on a regular basis, and will continue to do so, to ensure that the music sector’s concerns are fully recognised. We will also continue to press the BBC to deliver on its commitments to commission high-quality, distinctive Scottish output for audiences.

I have commissioned an urgent review of the environmental impacts and management of single-use vapes. Zero Waste Scotland will lead on the review, which will examine available evidence and consider potential options to tackle the issue, including the potential for single use vapes to be subject to a deposit return mechanism.

We will consider the evidence and expert advice and bring forward policy options in due course.