Chamber and committees

There are no plans to extend the contract of MS Ambition beyond 31 March 2023.

The Scottish Government has no role in the provision of student accommodation, whether in purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) and university and college halls of residence, the private rented sector or student housing cooperatives. However, we are determined to improve accessibility, affordability and standards across student accommodation and the private rented sector as a whole.

A report by the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) which was commissioned by Scottish Government to inform the next stages of its review of PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) and any recommendations to Ministers, was published on 12 December 2022. The review looked at a number of issues, including cost, contract terms, tenancy agreements, planning and regulation, specialist accommodation, support for students, and supply. The PBSA Review Steering Group met on 3 February to consider the findings of the CACHE research, and the Group will submit recommendations to Ministers on forward priorities for improving student accommodation in due course.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-14431 on 9 February 2023. 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

While the powers to take meaningful action sit with the UK Government, the Scottish Government is doing all it can to support non-domestic energy consumers with high energy bills.

Our Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) has added a Community Buildings Fund which supports communities and other eligible organisations to improve the heating systems in their buildings and reduce energy bills. This includes funding up to a maximum of £80,000 and includes energy efficiency measures, zero emissions heat and also small-scale generation where there is a clear benefit to the community organisation.

Additionally, the First Minister chaired two energy summits last year attended by energy suppliers, advice agencies and third sector representatives, and which discussed collaborative actions to support non-domestic consumers with energy costs.

We will continue to work with partners to identify what more we can do within the powers available to us to mitigate the impact of high energy costs upon non-domestic consumers including community organisations.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-14430 on 9 February 2023. 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 does not hold this information. While the Scottish Government does collect statistics on homelessness, these do not include specific information relating to student homelessness.

A full review of the homelessness data collections aimed at bringing these up to date, improve consistency and better meet user needs is ongoing. As part of this, the appropriateness and feasibility of gathering information on student status will be fully and carefully considered.

The Scottish Government remains committed to the removal of fees associated with instrumental music tuition so income is not a barrier to children and young people taking up an instrument. Access to instrumental music tuition is for local authorities to determine depending on local circumstances and priorities.

Councils are autonomous and it is their responsibility to agree their annual budgets taking into account their statutory duties and national and local priorities.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-14517 on 7 February 2023. 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 significant cut by the UK Government in support for businesses with their energy costs beyond March is very concerning, particularly for the more vulnerable sectors.

Scottish ministers wrote to the UK Government at the end of last year to express our disappointment at the lack of opportunity we were given to engage in the review of the Energy Bills Relief Scheme, and to stress that any continued support should be aimed at those businesses and sectors who need it the most.

We will continue to work with stakeholders to analyse the impact of this reduced level in support upon businesses and to raise our concerns with the UK Government at every opportunity.

The rail peak-fares pilot will apply to the whole Scottish rail network for a six month period, during the next financial year.

Work on the precise methodology and design is underway with Transport Scotland officials working closely with Scottish Rail Holdings and ScotRail to derive maximum benefit for this scheme.