Chamber and committees

The ChargePlace Scotland (CPS) operator, SWARCO Smart Charging, introduced the STRIPE payment system in April 2024. Transport Scotland were made aware of technical issues during the introduction period which affected some CPS customers. In line with agreed incident management procedures, the issues were investigated by the CPS operator and actions outlined for their swift resolution. On 27 June 2024, Transport Scotland met with the CPS operator to discuss the effectiveness of the actions and to ensure no other issues had been reported. There have been no further reports of issues relating to the STRIPE implementation. CPS has not been contacted by any customers requesting compensation to-date.

The Scottish Government is currently working with representatives from our Residential Rehabilitation Development Working Group to ascertain whether the existing ARBD unit, managed by Penumbra for NHS Lothian, meets the Scottish Government’s definition of a residential rehabilitation service.

We have set out a clear definition of what counts as residential rehabilitation and have used it consistently. We are expecting to receive the appropriate advice on this in due course, after which point we will be able to develop a position on including this type of service under our definition of residential rehabilitation in the future.

No changes have been made to the National Mission.

The National Mission was established to improve and save lives of people impacted by drugs. However, many service improvements supported by the Mission, such as residential rehabilitation, addressing stigma and improving the workforce, address both alcohol and drug issues. Meaning the work of the National Mission has consistently saved and improved the lives of people impacted by alcohol as well as drugs.

NHS boards, local authorities and local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships are long standing partners in our work on harmful alcohol and drug use and they have recognised that many aspects of the National Mission are bringing benefit to people impacted by both drugs and alcohol.,

This information is not centrally collected. When NHS Scotland treats someone that has suffered harm from a non-surgical cosmetic procedure which has gone wrong, NHS Scotland will not necessarily record that this was the result of that procedure as there is no specific code to record this. This means that it is difficult to assess the cost to NHS Scotland of treating harm or complications that may have been caused.

It is expected that the draft outcomes from the Review, which includes a climate compatibility assessment and other impact assessments, will be consulted on this Autumn, before a final decision can be reached.

The Scottish Government has no plans to ban the installation of uPVC windows in conservation areas.

Following extensive consultation, and taking account of the need to address the cost and climate crises, new permitted development rights (PDR) were introduced in May this year. These PDR allow for (amongst other things) the alteration or replacement of windows without the need to apply for planning permission. The measures strike an appropriate balance between allowing owners/occupiers to improve the environmental performance of their properties whilst safeguarding the overall character and appearance of the historic environment.

Reflecting the importance of conservation areas, PDR for the alteration/replacement of windows on buildings in such areas, are subject to prior approval arrangements in some cases where the windows are located on the building’s front elevation or side elevation fronting a road. This enables planning authorities to consider the design and external appearance of proposed replacement windows

The new PDR do not apply in World Heritage Sites, and they do not remove any need for listed building consent. Additionally, planning authorities have the power to use an Article 4 direction to restrict PDR in certain locations should they consider that appropriate.

Regrettably, a start date for the review is not confirmed at this time. It is important that the review of the guidance on patient travel expenses reimbursement is considered within the context of wider reform on access to health care which is already in progress. This will inform both how and when the review is taken forward.

In 2023 we prepared the draft Transport to Health plan and have been engaging with Health Boards, Regional Transport Partnerships and other partners to take forward a range of commitments to improve joined up working on transport to health. The plan will be published this Autumn and a workplan has been agreed.

No impact assessment has been undertaken as there are no plans to reintroduce prescription charges.

The speaking note used to address attendees at the launch of the third New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy and New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy Delivery Plan 2024 to 2026 on 19 August 2024 can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/new-scots-refugee-integration-strategy-minister-for-equalities/

The actual speech given is likely to have differed to the copy of the speaking note provided.

No impact assessment has been made on the potential impact on people with chronic kidney disease or long term conditions as there are no plans to reintroduce prescription charges.