Chamber and committees

Scottish Enterprise published its annual report and accounts on 2 October 2017. Highlands and Islands Enterprise published its annual report and accounts on 16 October 2017.

No external research has been commissioned by the Scottish Government as yet, but it is reviewing the availability of evidence that exists in this area for Scotland and is undertaking a joint project with the STUC examining the potential impact of technological change on the Scottish labour market. This project will report back to the next Biannual meeting between the First Minister and the STUC in November. There is no cost to government for this research aside from staff time. This will complement a Scottish Enterprise research report on Automation and Sector Impacts published late last year as part of its Future Focus programme and will build upon these findings to determine the scope of further research.

On 12 September, I confirmed that 22 of the 30 Barclay recommendations were accepted and six required further consideration and engagement before the Scottish Government confirms its position. These include reform of charity, empty property and sports club relief and our position will be confirmed in an implementation plan by the end of this year. Additionally, the level at which the large business supplement is set will be considered in light of affordability at future budgets.

It is estimated that that the new relief for day nurseries will cost around £7 million per year. More detail on this and the other measures announced in my statement to Parliament on 12 September 2017 will be published in an implementation plan by the end of this year.

The Scottish Government does not hold this information. The administrative processes in relation to non-domestic rates overpayments is entirely the responsibility of local authorities.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-11502 on 23 October 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-11502 on 23 October 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-11499 on
23 October 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

It is estimated that that the extension of the fresh start relief will cost around £2 million per year. More detail on this and the other measures announced in my statement to Parliament on 12 September 2017 will be published in an implementation plan by the end of this year.