Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S5W-31760

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 11 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 28 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to converting existing loans, which are available to people in need of assistance with housing and rent payments, into grants, or using allocated funding to top up schemes such as the discretionary housing payment.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic we have twice announced additional funding to Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) in order to support those tenants financially affected, to help sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness. On 20 May 2020 an additional £5 million was made available and on 1 September 2020 the Programme for Government announced a further £3 million would be provided. This brings the total support for non-Bedroom Tax related DHPs this financial year to nearly £19 million.

We are developing a separate Tenants Hardship Loan Fund, the content of which is currently being finalised. One of the purposes of this fund is to widen the group of tenants we are able to offer support to by providing financial assistance to tenants who do not qualify for help through DHPs.

Question reference: S5W-31766

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 11 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 24 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to giving local authorities the statutory right to buy properties from landlords who are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Affordable Housing Supply Programme can already support the purchase of second hand homes by local authorities or registered social landlords where this makes strategic sense. Private landlords interested in selling their property should in the first instance contact the relevant local authority to discuss whether this is an option.

We are supporting Landlords who have 5 properties or fewer and have lost rent due to the pandemic through the Landlord Loan scheme, more information can be found at the following link; www.covidlandlordloan.est.org.uk .

There are no plans to give local authorities the statutory right to buy specific properties from landlords who are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question reference: S5O-04635

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 23 September 2020
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 30 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent changes to the COVID-19 restrictions, what action it is taking to help older people who are more likely to be at risk from extended periods of loneliness.

Question reference: S5W-31763

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 11 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 22 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish the scientific evidence used to inform its decision to restrict the playing of background music in hospitality venues.

Factors such as background sound that may lead to raised voices or cause people to lean-in close to others to be heard are a risk factor in the transmission of coronavirus. This is recognised by a wide body of scientific evidence in relation to the role of aerosols in the transmission of viruses. The current position of no background sound, including low level music and audio from television, is a measured and cautious approach to reduce risk. It is being kept under review and government continues to work with industry experts to consider how guidance can be developed to allow low level background sound to be managed safely.

Question reference: S5W-31765

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 11 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 22 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government whether it has considered changing the criteria for accessing the Private Rent Sector Landlord COVID-19 Loan Scheme to allow landlords in all categories to apply.

The PRS Landlord (non-business) Covid19 Loan Support loan fund is being extended in line with the anticipated extension of notice periods within the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act.

During the first six months of the scheme we have listened to landlords and stakeholders and the extension will expand the number of let properties a landlord can apply for assistance in respect of, from one property to up to three. Additionally the repayment period will now be set at 24 months. The existing limit of support to landlords who are not registered as businesses and have 5 or less let properties will remain.

Question reference: S5W-31761

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 11 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 18 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government on what basis it decided to restrict the playing of background music in hospitality venues, specifically where this music may not affect ambient noise levels.

Factors such as background sound that may lead to raised voices or cause people to lean-in close to others to be heard are a risk factor in the transmission of coronavirus. The current position of no background sound in hospitality, including low level music and audio from television, is a measured and cautious approach to reduce risk. It is being kept under review and government continues to work with industry experts to consider how guidance can be developed to allow low level background sound to be managed safely.

Question reference: S5W-31762

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 11 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 18 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government when it expects to update the guidance for hospitality venues regarding the playing of background music.

Question reference: S5O-04576

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 02 September 2020
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 10 September 2020

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any potential benefits of improving transport links between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Question reference: S5W-31073

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 04 August 2020
Current Status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 26 August 2020

To ask the Scottish Government by what date it expects ten-pin bowling facilities to reopen as part of the easing of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, and what financial support it is offering to these facilities while they remain closed.

The First Minister outlined in her statement on 20 August the date for the reopening of indoor bowling facilities was Monday, 31 August with physical distancing and enhanced hygiene measures in place.

The Scottish Government have produced new guidance for the opening of indoor sport and leisure facilities with physical distancing and hygiene measures. This new guidance, created in collaboration with the sport and leisure sector will provide staff and customers with the confidence that it’s safe to return. To view the guidance please visit the Scottish Government website .

Since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak the Scottish Government has worked closely with the UK Government and private and public sector partners to develop a range of support mechanisms for businesses. Information on all available support for businesses can be found on Find BusinessSupport . The website is regularly updated with information on any new support packages or changes to existing ones.

Question reference: S5O-04504

Asked by: Annie Wells, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 12 August 2020
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 20 August 2020

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the constitution secretary's comments to the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee on 18 June, whether it has revisited planning for a second independence referendum.