Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-23524 on 11 May 2009. 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-23543 on 12 May 2009. 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

We estimate that the Home Insulation Scheme will create or sustain up to 900 jobs in this sector. These estimates have been calculated using the Scottish Government''s Input-Output model and include direct, indirect and induced jobs.

The Home Insulation Scheme will focus on the provision of the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation in properties that are able to take such measures. However, all households in each area, including those in properties unsuitable for loft and cavity insulation, will be offered energy audits and benefit checks. Data collected from energy audits will be important in assisting the development of future programmes aimed at hard to treat properties, for example, the Community Energy Saving Programme. The proportion of residents of hard to treat properties that will be assisted under the scheme will depend on the areas selected.

The Scottish Government has made an initial estimate that the Home Insulation Scheme could save in the region of 24,250 tCO₂e in 2009-10. The actual emission savings achieved will depend on a range of factors including the characteristics of the areas chosen, and the scale of contribution from partners. The emission savings achieved will be calculated within the framework for standard carbon assessment being developed by the Scottish Government.

The total householder contribution to measures part-funded by the Home Insulation Scheme in 2009-10 will depend on factors such as the eligibility criteria agreed and the areas selected.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-23406 on 12 May 2009. 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-23406 on 12 May 2009. 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/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Consequentials accrue to the Scottish Block as a whole. Ministers decide how the additional spending should be allocated in Scotland based on Scottish priorities.

We will reach decisions on the allocation of additional funding as soon as possible. We are fully committed to the third sector and have already demonstrated this by pledging over £90 million between 2008-09 and 2010-11, an increase of approximately 35% on the previous spending period.

The bulk of the publicity and promotion costs of the scheme are expected to be met from within the £15 million of Scottish Government funding allocated to the first phase of this scheme. Some complementary investment for these purposes may also be contributed by partners.