Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S6W-10998

Asked by: Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 20 September 2022
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 29 September 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what the process is for re-matching Ukrainian refugees from one household to another through the Super Sponsor scheme.

The Scottish Government recognises that there may be instances where a host relationship breaks down. Where a relationship breaks down, the displaced person can make contact with their local authority who will re-enter them to the matching process and find a suitable alternative accommodation.

It is important to recognise that matching people with hosts is a complex process. Time must be taken to ensure that the needs of both the host family and Ukrainians are met, and that both are suitably supported to make a decision that is right for them. Their housing and support needs and preferences will be assessed and the matching service will seek to match them with accommodation suitable for their needs. Where additional needs are identified, they will be directed to specialist local authority support teams.

We have made £11.2m of additional funding available to local authorities, which they can use to bolster their resettlement teams, enhance the pace of host checks, and support refurbishment of properties. In addition we have funded additional staff in local authorities to speed up the process and we are also introducing a new digital matching tool to support the matching process. We are currently reviewing the operation of the super sponsor scheme, including measures to improve matching.

Question reference: S6W-11081

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 22 September 2022
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 29 September 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the rising cost of living on Edinburgh festivals in 2022.

As detailed in our Programme for Government, we recognise the profound impact the current cost crisis is having across Scotland. Within this, we are acutely aware of the various challenges festivals have faced in 2022, including the ongoing effects of COVID-19, rail strike action, rising inflation and rising costs across the board.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have provided a total of approximately £14.1 million in financial support to the festivals. We believe it is of vital importance to maintain an honest and open dialogue with the festivals. For example, the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, and the Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development met with Festivals Edinburgh and a number of festival organisers on 18 May 2022 to assess the issues impacting festivals before the festival season, and offer support where appropriate and feasible. The Cabinet Secretary followed up this meeting on 27 July 2022 and has assured the festivals we will maintain this dialogue.

The Scottish Government will remain in discussions with festival organisers in an ongoing assessment of their situation to establish the best ways to use what levers we can to mitigate the various issues related to rising costs, while ensuring that the protection of the most vulnerable in our society remains our priority.

Question reference: S6W-11079

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 22 September 2022
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray on 29 September 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that ticket sales for Edinburgh festivals were down by 25% in 2022, compared with 2019.

The Scottish Government would like to congratulate all the artists, venues, production members and organisers of Edinburgh’s festivals this year. We recognise that overall 2022 was perceived as a ‘recovery year’ for the festivals and was key in bringing back confidence to the wider culture sector, especially with regards to returning audiences.

We have aided the festivals in this recovery and have provided a total of approximately £14.1 million in financial support since the beginning of the pandemic.

Overall, whilst ticket sales were down in comparison to 2019, Edinburgh Festivals were well attended; with a number reporting that they surpassed their 2022 targets. This is a good outcome taking into consideration the many challenges it has been necessary to overcome, and the added caution in programming this year. The Scottish Government will continue to work with festival organisers to build on their success this year, and ensure their continued recovery.

Question reference: S6W-10781

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 01 September 2022
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 29 September 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has made to (a) Ofgem and (b) the UK Government regarding the urgent introduction of an energy price freeze.

The First Minister chaired a summit with energy suppliers and advice organisations, including Ofgem representatives, on 23 August, at which these matters were discussed at length. The First Minister subsequently wrote to the new Prime Minister, urging that she cancel any further energy price increase for domestic consumers, and work with the regulator and energy companies to put in place the funding to support this, while also underlining the pressing need for additional support for vulnerable consumers.

Question reference: S6W-10726

Asked by: Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 01 September 2022
Current Status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 29 September 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether it is proactively working with the UK Government to secure funding opportunities for the renewables sector in Scotland.

The Scottish Government works with the UK Government, and with local government and the wider public sector, to maximise investment in Scotland’s renewables sector. Notably, through the £75m Energy Transition Fund, the Scottish Government is match funding UK Government funding in two key energy transition projects:

(1) £26.3m to the Energy Transition Zone. The zone will transform North East Scotland into a globally integrated energy cluster focussed on accelerating net zero. It aims to generate 2,500 new jobs in Aberdeen and realise as much as £400m GVA.

(2) £6.5m to the Global Underwater Hub (GUH). The GUH will support the globally competitive underwater sector in the UK to accelerate the transition to net zero, drive innovation and growth and make a step change in the development and internationalisation of technology and services.

The Energy Transition Fund will protect existing jobs and create new jobs in the North East, and across Scotland by opening up opportunities through energy transition and harnessing private sector funding.

The investment will also benefit the wider Scottish energy sector and broader supply chain, working with local businesses to maximise the economic benefits, create and support sustainable jobs and contribute to inclusive economic growth across the country.

Question reference: S6W-10683

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 31 August 2022
Current Status: Answered by Lorna Slater on 29 September 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether the First Minister has engaged in any discussions about criminalising ecocide.

There are strong protections in Scots law for wild animals and habitats. The Scottish Government has made clear our commitment to play a full role in the international effort to tackle the twin global crises in climate and nature. We have recently consulted on our new Biodiversity Strategy and will respond to the conclusions of the forthcoming Conference of Parties of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. We plan to introduce a Natural Environment Bill putting in place key legislative changes and statutory targets to restore and protect nature. We will introduce a right to a healthy environment as part of our proposals for an ambitious Human Rights Bill.

Question reference: S6O-01440

Asked by: Bob Doris, MSP for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 28 September 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 6 October 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what contribution colleges make to widening access to higher education for students living in the most deprived areas.

Question reference: S6O-01441

Asked by: Emma Roddick, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 28 September 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 6 October 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that the Communication Workers Union has organised strikes for Royal Mail workers next month, including in Scotland.

Question reference: S6O-01438

Asked by: Alex Rowley, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 28 September 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 6 October 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making to develop its Fire and Rescue Framework for Scotland.

Question reference: S6O-01437

Asked by: Michael Marra, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 28 September 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 6 October 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what its policy is on whether to peg an independent Scottish currency to the pound.