Chamber and committees

The Non-Profit Distributing (NPD) programme was announced in November 2010, as part of the Spending Review 2010. It was a response to the reduction in traditional capital Departmental Expenditure Limits (DEL) originally set at 36% in real terms over the four years of the UK Spending Review. NPD provides an alternative way of financing projects through future revenue rather than current capital, and meant that projects could continue to be developed, rather than be delayed until future capital DEL became available.

A high level estimate of the profile of capital investment through the NPD programme was provided to the Finance committee in January 2011, noting that individual procuring authorities would control actual project timescales and profiles. A similar profile was included in a graph within the Draft Budget 2012-13, based on an update of these early estimates undertaken by the Scottish Futures Trust. Since those estimates were prepared, significant work has been undertaken with the many procuring authorities involved to develop each project, and the updated profile of capital investment included in a graph within the Draft Budget 2013-14, reflects this more detailed level of scrutiny and planning.

The NPD programme includes around 50 large, complex projects which are being procured by more than 30 different procuring authorities. For many of the procuring authorities, this will be a new form of procurement.

Upfront preparation will deliver better value for money. Infrastructure UK’s ‘Cost Review’ in 2010 identified that higher costs in UK infrastructure projects are mainly generated in the early project formulation and pre-construction phases and noted contributing factors included: stop-start investment programmes and the lack of a visible and continuous pipeline of forward work; and starting projects before the design is sufficiently complete.

The reasons for changes in timings which have occurred for 2012-13 are included in the following table.

We have recently published on the Scottish Government website a more detailed project pipeline that provides information on current expectations for timescales for delivery of a wide range of SG supported infrastructure projects, including those being delivered through NPD and hub.

I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to my answer to question S4W-12698 on 25 February 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

While we have received no formal proposal for the reopening of the Formartine and Buchan railway line, the Scottish Government is keen to improve access to the rail network across Scotland.

In considering proposals to reopen former railway lines and stations, it is necessary for the Scottish Government to take a strategic view and fully consider the impact on the whole network. Determining the potential benefits to new passengers against the negative impact on existing passengers, while robustly assessing the value for money and affordability are essential. The long-term demand, the operational and engineering feasibilities, subsidy implications to the Scottish Government and initial capital costs must be considered in detail.

I understand that promoters of the Formartine and Buchan line are currently discussing their proposals with the North East of Scotland Transport Partnership (Nestrans). Transport Scotland would be happy to offer advice, if Nestrans decide that the proposal merits further consideration.