Chamber and committees

Scottish ministers have expressed their concern over recent price increases announced by Scottish Power, both to the Company itself and the regulator, Ofgem. We estimate that up to a further 170,000 households could be placed into fuel poverty if the increase was replicated across all suppliers. Scottish ministers remain committed to the 2016 target but it is extremely challenging in the light of recent energy price increases.

The Energy Assistance Package started in April 2009. The following table is provided by the Managing Agent (Scottish Gas). Figures for 2010-11 are not yet available.

The warm homes fund will deliver renewable energy and energy-efficient homes in those areas worse affected by fuel poverty. The operational details, including the criteria for consideration for funding, are being worked on and will be announced in due course.

As outlined in my statement to the Parliament on 29 June 2011, I will set out a wider package of reforms on post-16 education later in 2011. Any legislation on higher education would be brought forward next year as a result of this wider package of reform.

Scottish ministers are proud of the actions we have already taken to provide free school meals in Scotland, which last year extended eligibility to an additional 17,000 children and young people. In time we will look at ways of expanding current provision.

The Scottish Government has clearly stated its commitment to the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence, which includes working towards two hours per week of physical education (PE) in primary schools and at least two periods of PE in secondary schools for pupils in S1 to S4. Ministers will continue discussions with stakeholders on how we can ensure the delivery of those important commitments by 2014.

The national roll out of Life Begins at 40 commenced in February 2011. The service will cost approximately £285,000 in the 2011-12 financial year.

Plans for the Scottish Futures Fund are a matter for the Spending Review, which will report in autumn 2011.

The Scotland Exchange has been in beta testing mode since 2010. On 24 March 2011 members of the Global Friends of Scotland were invited to join the new Scotland Exchange network. The network is still being developed and new members are welcome.

Scotland Exchange sits on the Ning platform, at an annual cost of $500 (£321 at current exchange rates). Additional start up costs for branding and developing the site were £10,000.

Future funding will be set on an as needed basis.

The Scotland Low Carbon and Environmental Goods and Services Sector study estimated that there were 73,960 people employed in the low carbon economy in 2008-09.

These are broken down as follows:

Further sectoral and regional breakdowns are available in the consultant’s report at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/344829/0114756.pdf.