As set out in the answer to S6W-12943 on 20 December 2022, the Joint Working Group, which includes COSLA and the Scottish Green Party commenced it work, initially focussing on targeted changes to Council Tax to reflect the current circumstances created by the cost crisis. The group will also consider approaches to longer term reform, utilising the development of effective deliberative engagement, on sources of Local Government funding and Council Tax. I will ensure that Parliament is kept appraised of this work at suitable junctures.

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 Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) which accompanies the Revised Draft NPF4 considers the potential benefits and costs to businesses and other stakeholders of each policy. The BRIA can be accessed at https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-planning-framework-4-final-business-regulatory-impact-assessment .

Policy 27 (d) represents a strengthening and restructuring of the policy consulted on in Draft NPF4. In the Draft NPF4 (Policy 26(a)), we consulted on restricting drive-throughs in out of town locations and, in response to what consultees told us and through our broader strategy of transitioning to net zero, the policy has been restructured in a more tightly worded policy in the Revised Draft. The changes maintain the policy intent, while reflecting responses to the consultation. Given this and the extent of engagement, consultation and scrutiny already undertaken, and the fact that we are engaging further, and will continue to do so as we enter the delivery phase of NPF4, no further consultation was required.

The information requested is not held centrally.

Biodiversity is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s Vision for Agriculture and our ambition to transform how we support farming and food production in Scotland.

Our aim is to develop a support framework that delivers climate mitigation and adaptation, nature restoration and high-quality food production.

In addition the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 sets out a clear ambition for Scotland to be Nature Positive by 2030, and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity across the country by 2045. Work is underway to ensure agricultural policy aligns with these goals and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.

The Scottish Government does not keep a record of the number of retailers currently operating return points on a voluntary basis.

We understand that a number of businesses are trialling or have already trialled the use of reverse vending machines in their premises in Scotland and welcome their commitment to ensuring their readiness for the launch of the UK’s first Deposit Return Scheme on 16 August 2023.

The Scottish Government have no plans to tender for a ferry service between Rosyth and Zeebrugge. Subsidy Control rules limit government directly funding international commercial ferry connections beyond initial start-up support. As commercial propositions, we continue to work with potential commercial operators who are interested in introducing new ferry services to the Continent.

The Scottish Government have had no discussions with David MacBrayne Ltd regarding a ferry service between Rosyth and Zeebrugge. Subsidy Control rules mean any route would have to operate on a commercial basis and this would be a matter for David MacBrayne Ltd’s Board to consider.

As net zero is one of this Government's foremost priorities, addressing climate change is integrated into the work of teams right across the Scottish Government, our agencies and public bodies.

At the end of September 2022 there were 68.8 full time equivalent staff directly employed in Domestic and International Climate Change Divisions within the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Government and Transport Scotland have been engaging with stakeholders to identify opportunities and barriers to increasing shipments of exports from Scottish ports and airports directly which could have environmental and economic benefits. This work is ongoing.