Chamber and committees

In response to a request from the Scottish Government in July 2013, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) developed a new procedure for restricting the use of general licences on land where, on the basis of evidence from Police Scotland, they have good reason to believe that wildlife crime has taken place. General licences allow land managers to carry out actions to control wild birds that would otherwise be unlawful. Restrictions on general licences are now in place affecting four properties.

Also in July 2013, the Scottish Government established a review to examine whether the penalties available for wildlife crime properly reflect the seriousness of the damage caused to vulnerable wildlife and fragile habitats and ecosystems. This review, led by Professor Poustie of Strathclyde University, submitted a report to Scottish Ministers on 19 November 2015. The report made 10 recommendations which included increasing the maximum fines to £40,000 and imprisonment to 12 months for more serious offences; extending the use of forfeiture provisions and making more use of and legislating for the use of impact statements in courts. The Scottish Government published a formal response on 24 February 2016 stating that the Scottish Government looked forward to making progress with taking forward the recommendations.

As agreed during the debate on wildlife crime in the Scottish Parliament on 6 May 2014, the Scottish Government has asked SNH to commission a study of the legislation and regulation relating to the hunting of gamebirds in other countries. This study has now commenced and a report is expected in the autumn.

In addition to initiatives which have operated over specified periods of time, such as the Scottish Government funded Pesticides Disposal Scheme 2015 which was in place between February and May of that year to help remove dangerous banned pesticides from Scotland’s environment, the Scottish Government also supports regular ongoing work to assist in the fight against wildlife crime. This includes the publication annually in March of maps showing areas where bird of prey crimes have taken place, and the ‘Heads up for Harriers’ initiative which works with land managers and conservationists to raise awareness of risks to hen harriers and identify reasons for breeding failures.

The Scottish Government continues to lead the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime Scotland, and supports this broad partnership approach as the best way to tackle wildlife crime. The Scottish Government is also continuing to fund the National Wildlife Crime Unit based in Livingston.

Ofgem published a report on regional differences in network charges in October 2015, which included an analysis of the current cost-reflective arrangements and the potential impacts of moving to a national network charge. The report shows that a move to a national network charge would see 1.8 million households in Scotland facing higher bills, while 0.7 million households would see reductions. Following discussions on this topic at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands (COHI) meeting in Stornoway on 7 March 2016, Ofgem and National Grid will be invited to the next COHI meeting to brief members on the relevant issues.

For rural and remote communities across Scotland, a fair network charging regime is a crucial factor – but other factors like energy efficiency and raising household incomes are equally important. That is why we have commissioned the Scottish Rural Fuel Poverty Task Force to examine the full range of issues around fuel poverty in rural areas, including national network charging proposals. We look forward to the task force producing a report of their findings later in 2016, and will carefully consider their recommendations.

The Scottish Government has previously made clear its willingness to work with communities to explore the creation of new national parks. We have been equally clear that such discussions would only be appropriate where there is strong evidence of local authority and community support and a robust case to justify costs.

The Healthy Start programme in Scotland is a means-tested UK-wide scheme for pregnant women and children under four. From the tenth week of pregnancy, pregnant women on certain benefits or tax credits – or any pregnant women under 18 years irrespective of income – can claim for Healthy Start which provides vouchers that can be put towards the cost fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and milk at any participating retailer. Eligible pregnant women receive one £3.10 voucher a week.

NHS Orkney’s funding for 2016-17 is in line with the NRAC target. NHS Orkney’s resource budget will increase by 4.6% to £43.2 million, an above inflation increase, having previously increased by 15.1% in 2015-16.

In 2016-17 NHS Orkney’s resource budget will increase by 4.6% to £43.2 million, an above inflation increase, and in line with the NHS Scotland Resource Allocation Committee target, which reflects our commitment to move all board’s to parity using the ‘differential growth’ model.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-30399 on 21 March 2016. 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.

As part of the Scottish Government’s recent Consultation on Provisions for a Future Islands Bill, views were sought on a range of issues including the concept of island proofing with the flexibility to issue statutory guidance and also councillor representation in island communities.

The findings of the independent analysis of the responses received was published on 14 March 2016 and this will help inform the development of a draft Bill.

Decisions on the introduction of a future Bill will be for the next Scottish Government to determine following the Scottish parliamentary elections in May 2016.

However, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment was able to provide SAYFC with funding of £30,000 in recognition of the role it plays in his portfolio interests. This is not linked to the previous funding.