Chamber and committees

The draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), which was laid in the Scottish Parliament on 10 November, sets out how our approach to planning and development will achieve a net zero, sustainable Scotland by 2045.

The draft NPF4 proposes a new policy which will ensure significant weight be given to the Global Climate Emergency in planning decisions. It also includes green energy policies which support renewable energy development other than in National Parks and National Scenic Areas, subject to an assessment of their impacts on a case by case basis. Through the draft NPF4, we are also proposing to designate a national development which would establish the need for a large increase in renewable energy generation and substantial reinforcement and expansion of grid infrastructure throughout Scotland.

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of energy generated from solar PV in contributing to the decarbonisation of Scotland’s energy supply and contributing to the just transition to a net zero emissions society by 2045.

In support of this, the Scottish Government will, in consultation with the sector, establish a vision for the future of solar in the forthcoming Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan. This vision will set out the scale of ambition for solar generation in Scotland.

We have also recently published guidance for public sector bodies: ‘Public Sector Leadership on the Global Climate Emergency’. The guidance sets out milestones for accelerated efforts towards the use of 100% renewable electricity on the public sector estate alongside continuing to reduce electricity usage, and, highlights the important role solar power projects can play in decarbonising the public sector estate.

Full details of how to access your Covid Status can be found on NHS Inform. This includes downloading the NHS Scotland Covid Status App or accessing your status on the existing online portal. From this portal, you can generate a downloadable PDF or request a printed copy to be posted out to you. See https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/after-your-vaccine/get-a-record-of-your-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-status/ .

Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking children are able to access GP and NHS dental services on the same basis as domiciled residents.

GP practices receive a share of overall general practice funding from the Scottish Government based upon their estimated workload. This would reflect any unaccompanied asylum-seeking children registering with a GP practice.

Dentists are paid a range of fees and other payments by the Scottish Government for providing care and treatment to NHS patients.

Between 24 February 2020 and 31 October 2021 there have been 6,348 COVID-19 cases that were probable or definite hospital onset.

1,973 were reported as probable hospital onset (first positive specimen on days 8 to 14 of admission to NHS board).

4,375 were reported as definite hospital onset (first positive specimen date was 15 or more days after admission to NHS board).

The rate of COVID-19 transmission in hospitals has followed a similar rate in the community. When community prevalence reduces, a general reduction in hospital onset COVID cases follows approximately two to three weeks later.

However, while community prevalence has recently increased, nosocomial cases of COVID-19 were observed to rise at a slower pace, which may be largely due to the vaccination programme.

While patients with COVID continue to be admitted to hospitals, the risk of transmission remains. We cannot be complacent and we must continue to ensure that all infection prevention precautions are strictly followed.

The smart meter programme is owned and led by the UK Government who have responsibility for the overall policy and the regulatory and commercial framework. Energy suppliers in turn are responsible for planning and delivering the rollout of smart meters on the ground. We will continue to work with BEIS, Ofgem, Smart Energy GB and the wider energy market, to champion the interests of Scottish consumers

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of the rollout of smart meters as a national modernisation programme that will bring benefits to Scottish energy consumers, we do however have continued concerns around the implementation, particularly in regards to delays to communication systems and consumer access to smart meters. Statistics on the Smart Meter roll out are published by BEIS and the latest figures can be found at Q2 2021 Smart Meters Statistics Report (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Following the devolution of powers on consumer advocacy and advice, where people have an issue with their supplier, including related to smart meters, they can contact Advice Direct Scotland at the following web address, https://www.advice.scot/ or by calling 0808 800 9060

ScotWind leasing is managed by Crown Estate Scotland and any conditions on a seabed lease are a matter for Crown Estate Scotland.

The Emerging Energy Technologies Fund (EETF) is a £180m package of funding over five years that will provide capital support to accelerate low-carbon infrastructure projects that will be essential to deliver net zero. The Fund will make £100 million available to support renewable hydrogen projects in line with our Hydrogen Policy Statement.

Policy officials are finalising the eligibility and project assessment criteria for the EETF, and have invited views on this from stakeholders by 19 January 2022.

Views can be provided at https://consult.gov.scot/energy-and-climate-change-directorate/hydrogen-action-plan/ .

Further details on the Fund and its eligibility criteria will be provided in early 2022 alongside a call for projects.

Supply Chain Development Statements (SCDS) are a required component of the ScotWind Leasing process and are therefore administered by Crown Estate Scotland. Crown Estate Scotland will publish the SCDS Outlook documents once Option Agreements are signed by successful applicants. In addition, Crown Estate Scotland will confidentially share the commercially sensitive SCDS Narrative Documents of successful applicants with the Scottish Government and enterprise agencies. The Scottish Government and enterprise agencies would not expect to publish documentation of a commercially sensitive nature.

As set out in the Programme for Government 2021 - 22, published on 7 September 2021, the Scottish Government is committed to establishing a dignified and compassionate miscarriage service by the end of 2023. This commitment includes ensuring women’s services have dedicated facilities for women experiencing unexpected pregnancy complications.

As part of delivering on this commitment, we will carry out a scoping exercise to establish current service provision across all 14 Health Boards and host a series of roundtables to discuss with stakeholders what more can be done to improve miscarriage care and support for women who experience complications during pregnancy. The first roundtable will take place in early 2022.