Chamber and committees

Equally Safe, Scotland’s strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls (VAWG), recognises that technology can be used to directly track, monitor, and facilitate violence against women and girls. While Equally Safe does not refer specifically to Automatic Number Plate Recognition, it acknowledges the wider risks associated with the misuse of technology and recognises that action to address VAWG must take account of these evolving risks.

Interpretation and application of Historic Environment Scotland’s non-statutory guidance is a matter for Historic Environment Scotland. Decisions on whether sufficient evidence has been provided in support of an application, including evidence relating to marketing and economic viability, are considered on a case-by-case basis by the decision maker having regard to the circumstances of the application.

The Scottish Government keeps permitted development rights under review. In recent years, we have amended permitted development rights through a phased approach reflecting Scottish Government objectives and priorities.

In line with our commitment for the first 100 days of Government, we are engaging with stakeholders which will inform the scope of this Government’s planning reform programme.

The Scottish Government considers that Legislation currently in place provides appropriate powers to help protect the historic environment while also ensuring public safety. Responsibility for the maintenance and repair of buildings rests with owners, and planning authorities have a range of powers available to help secure the preservation of listed buildings. Proposals to demolish listed buildings are subject to statutory controls and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

NPF4 forms part of the development plan and should be taken into account in planning decision making. It is for the decision-maker, normally local authorities, to interpret and apply policy 7 and other relevant policies, making decisions in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Applications are considered on individual merits.

It is for the decision maker (usually the relevant planning authority) to consider whether changes to a proposed development constitute a material or substantial change, having regard to the circumstances of the particular case. Whether Environmental Impact Assessment information on a particular matter is required is also for the decision-maker, in accordance with the relevant statutory framework.

It would not be appropriate for Scottish Ministers to comment on matters that fall within the planning authority's role and responsibilities.

Ministers consider the need for call-in on a case-by-case basis, taking account of the specific individual circumstances. They use their powers under section 46(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 sparingly, recognising the important role of local planning authorities in decision making. As set out in the Ministerial statement on call-in, Ministers will generally consider intervention only where there may be some important issue at stake which should be determined at the national level.

The Scottish Government does not consider there to be a conflict between the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 and the Building (Scotland) Act 2003. The two Acts serve different purposes and operate alongside one another, with the former providing protections for the historic environment and the latter providing powers for local authorities to address risks to public safety.

The Scottish Government remains committed to a public health approach to reducing drug-related harms and deaths. Our approach is set out in Preventing Harm, Promoting Recovery: Scotland's Alcohol & Drugs Strategic Plan 2026-2035, which brings together prevention, harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery support. The use of any Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) premises including fire stations is an operational matter for the SFRS.

Our Major Projects Office will be designed to accelerate progress on nationally and strategically significant investment and private capital projects, unblocking barriers to project delivery and unlocking private investment across strategic sectors including housing and energy. It will help contribute to a transformational change in economic performance across Scotland by unlocking significant strategic developments across Scotland to bring jobs and economic growth.

It will begin to be operationalised by the end of 2026, with work underway to developing its remit, governance arrangements, and operating model. Ministerial responsibility for the Major Projects Office will be in the Economy, Tourism and Transport portfolio.