Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-10989 on 3 October 2022. 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 recommendations for the Scottish Government included within the Equality and Human Rights Commission report, Housing and Disabled People: Scotland’s Hidden Crisis are being taken forward as part of the implementation of our Housing to 2040 strategy published in 2021. The specific recommendations regarding Relevant Adjustments to Common Parts (Disabled Persons) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 and guidance to local authorities on setting targets for wheelchair accessible housing were completed in advance of the publication of Housing to 2040.

As part of delivery of the Housing to 2040 route map we will work with stakeholders to identify the most effective ways to match availability of accessible housing and demand from those who require an accessible home.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-11067 on 3 October 2022. 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 seeks legal advice on an ongoing basis as appropriate and I can confirm that legal advice has been sought on this matter.

At present, and in line with previous UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) recommendations, there is no lung screening programme in Scotland to expand. I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-10989 on 3 October 2022, regarding the UK NSC’s recent recommendation to move towards the implementation of a targeted screening programme for lung cancer in adults aged 55–74 with a history of smoking.

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-09651 on 19 July 2022. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

Figures for the area of woodland and the areas of new planting / restocking in Scotland on land owned by the Scottish Government and/or its agencies are published annually as National Statistics by Forest Research and are available from the Forest Research web site at https://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-8w3lv3 .

People living in Scotland in receipt of Personal Independence Payment do not need to make an application for Adult Disability Payment. Social Security Scotland will transfer their awards for them, and in such circumstances before the person would otherwise be asked to undergo a DWP style assessment. We will write to people to tell them when the process has started to safely and securely transfer their award to Social Security Scotland. The transfer will happen automatically, ensuring there are no gaps in entitlement and ensuring that people continue to receive the right amount and their payments on time.

Should a person in Scotland in receipt of Personal Independence Payment make a new claim for Adult Disability Payment, on receipt of Part 1 of the application Social Security Scotland will make a determination that they are not entitled to Adult Disability Payment. This is to ensure that there are no duplication of awards and no gaps in payment. Their Personal Independence Payment award will continue to be paid by the DWP until it is selected for transfer to Social Security Scotland.

We are putting in place robust plans to deliver our replacement for Winter Fuel Payment from winter 2024 and we will consult on the proposals for this replacement in due course. Our priority in taking on full responsibility for all the devolved benefits is a safe and secure transition so that people continue to receive support at the right time and right amount.

From this coming winter (2022-23) the Scottish Government’s new Winter Heating Payment will guarantee an annual £50 payment to around 400,000 low-income households each winter. This is not dependent on age but will be targeted, reliable financial support to those most in need, including those in receipt of Pension Credit.