Chamber and committees

Scotland has a long history of welcoming migrants and we are actively encouraging those from Hong Kong to make Scotland their first choice to resettle. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting their integration into our communities and we have also published a dedicated British National (Overseas) welcome pack, in both English and Cantonese, on our website.

We have provided funding to COSLA who have a dedicated online Hong Kong Welcome Hub, intended for Hong Kong BN(O) migrants arriving in Scotland and Council Officers supporting their integration. Scottish Government officials continue to engage with third sector partners and our overseas hubs to identify ways of encouraging BN(O)s to choose Scotland as their first choice destination to resettle.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-07501 on 12 April 2022. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

There is currently no requirement to monitor drinking water for Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, such monitoring will become mandatory once new Regulations take effect in early 2023 to align with the requirements of the EU’s recast Drinking Water Directive.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-07501 on 12 April 2022. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

A project to deliver an essential upgrade of the Parliament’s security system was completed in 2019. Part of that project involved the upgrade of the Parliament’s CCTV system.

The specification required that all components, including CCTV cameras, successfully passed a security evaluation prior to installation.  Careful consideration was also given to information handling and storage of CCTV images.

The SPCB can confirm that the Hikvision brand of CCTV camera has never been used at Holyrood.  They were not used prior to 2019 and are not a component part of the current system.

The Private Sector Landlord specialist advice service, run by Home Energy Scotland, provides bespoke advice to private landlords throughout Scotland, this can include property visits and modelling as well as tailored advice for older properties.

Home Energy Scotland is also the route to Scottish Government funded loans and further support, in particular the Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan ( Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan: overview - Home Energy Scotland ) and our national fuel poverty scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland. This scheme is designed to make homes warmer for those living in or in risk of fuel poverty. Private rented sector tenants are generally not eligible for heating measures, however those who meet the criteria may receive energy efficiency measures, such as insulation, provided the landlord consents. Home Energy Scotland can be contacted on Freephone 0808 808 2282 or through their website https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/home-energy-Scotland .

There is also a range of guidance also available from Historic Environment Scotland to help with energy efficiency measures and climate change adaptations in listed buildings, traditional homes and buildings in conservation areas. This advice can be accessed through the Historic Environment Scotland website at: www.historicenvironment.scot .

As set out in the Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings Strategy, the draft regulations cited (to set minimum energy efficiency standards of EPC E, rising to EPC D) were withdrawn as a direct result of the impact Covid-19 has had on the private rented sector (PRS). Instead, as the Strategy confirms, the Scottish Government is now working with the sector to introduce regulations in 2025 which will require all PRS properties to reach a minimum standard equivalent to EPC C, where technically feasible and cost effective, at change of tenancy, with a backstop of 2028 for all remaining existing properties, in line with the direction provided by the Climate Change Committee.

Data giving an anticipated breakdown of properties not reaching EPC E is not available, however analysis carried out by the Energy Savings Trust in 2021 (using Home Analytics V3.7, which used a combination of modelled and reported data) gives a breakdown of PRS homes by local authority area which are assumed to be in bands E and F-G.

Two junction improvement options have been identified and assessed to identify any impacts they may have on journey times along this corridor. The assessment has also sought to take into account the impacts of emerging development in the area.

Engagement with Midlothian Council which is the responsible authority for adjoining local roads is continuing. The intention is to confirm the preferred option in due course, followed by a detailed design process to finalise the junction layout to take into account the site constraints at this location.

The Scottish Government has consistently and unequivocally indicated to the UK Government the significant impact Brexit would have across our whole economy, including health and social care. Leaving the EU, and in particular the loss of freedom of movement, has undoubtedly added to the challenge of attracting and recruiting new staff to work in remote and rural communities.

Further to engagement between the Minister for Future Borders and Immigration, my predecessor and other devolved administrations about the impact of EU exit on the recruitment and retention of health and social care workers, the UK Government has amended the shortage worker visa scheme including social care workers through the Scottish Government remains of the view that this does not adequately address the barriers that exist.

We continue to invest in recruitment and retention of health care staff, including GPs in remote and rural locations and this include record levels of investment in international recruitment, direct support to international recruits, the Golden Hello scheme and the development of a National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Social Care.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-07468 on 29 March 2022. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers