Chamber and committees

The 2023 Official Statistic ‘The Proportion of Scotland’s Protected Areas in Favourable Condition 2023’ reported that, of 161 species rich grassland natural features on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), 73% were in favourable condition or had recent management put in place to recover to favourable condition, and 27% were unfavourable.

The data for the condition of species rich grassland outside of protected areas is limited. The condition of species-rich grasslands forms part of six yearly reports which NatureScot compile to meet the requirements of the Habitats Regulations – the next report is due in late 2024. In the 2019 report, NatureScot estimate that 17% of species rich grassland types were in good condition, 31% were in poor condition and the condition of the remainder is unknown. The most common pressure on species rich grassland which causes poor condition are invasive species and under-grazing. The draft Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Delivery Plan contains commitments to restore degraded habitats, including species rich grassland.

Each application and subsequent loan offer made under the fund will depend on the individual circumstances of the applicant and nature of the particular build, however the typical period for repaying loans made under the Self Build Loan Fund is 12 months. It is intended to be short-term bridging loan funding which helps self-builders with development costs allowing them to complete their home.

I refer the member to the answers to questions S6W-24548 on 30 January 2024 and S6W-23003 on 4 December 2023. Please note that in S6W-24548 we advised the next statistical publication would be April 2024, however I wrote to Parliament with an update on 22 April 2024 – https://www.parliament.scot/-/media/files/committees/local-gov/correspondence/2024/letterfromministerstl.pdf .

The Scottish Government is refreshing its Smart Delivery Strategy, outlining its programme of work and strategy for enhancing smart, integrated ticketing and payments, and digital travel data over the next 5-10 years.

The strategy is being developed through a collaborative process with stakeholders and the public and is currently taking into account the development of the National Smart Ticketing Advisory Board’s first work programme. The strategy is also taking into account the significant progress and technological development of smart ticketing since the previous publication in 2018, including the increased use of digital platforms and contactless payment across the network, reflecting the public’s increasing desire for contactless and digital payments and ticketing.

Following publication of the Fair Fares Review and announcement of the Scottish Government’s intention to develop a new national integrated ticketing system for public transport, the strategy will progress through the finalisation and approval process to be published in 2024.

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of working closely and collaboratively with the UK Government and other devolved administrations to deliver a net zero that is mutually beneficial both in economic and social terms.

We will engage directly with each of the Governments to understand how best to establish a four nations climate response group that enables us to work much closer and share more information.

Road closures on the local road network are the responsibility of the local authority in that area. They have a duty under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to manage and maintain local roads in their area and duties under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to secure expeditious, convenient and safe movement of traffic.

Local businesses can provide views as part of the planning application process, including comments on transport and traffic considerations and their impacts. If an application is approved, where appropriate, a condition of consent can require a finalised traffic management plan to be approved with the local planning authority and, where required, in consultation with other relevant bodies (such as Transport Scotland).

Other conditions may be imposed requiring developers to set up a community liaison group to assist with the provision of mitigation measures etc. It can be the case that the development is not permitted to commence construction until this group is established and the terms of engagement are signed off by the planning authority.

Within NHSScotland, professional registration ensures that health practitioners are practising safely. Evidence of registration with a statutory regulatory body must be verified before placement, including confirmation of a medical licence. Health Boards must directly contact regulatory bodies to ensure ongoing registration and inquire about any restrictions or ongoing investigations related to fitness to practise.

Within NHSScotland, the duty to maintain registration rests with the healthcare professional. Health Boards must ensure that mechanisms are in place to check the ongoing registration of staff and thereby prevent the risk of staff whose registration has lapsed, been lost or suspended continuing to practise in a role which requires such professional registration.

Our Offshore Wind International Engagement Strategy was developed working closely with Scottish Development International, using the latest market intelligence.

The strategy identifies priority countries crucial to delivering our offshore wind objectives, ensuring our engagement is focussed and resources are used efficiently.

The strategy does not preclude working with other countries or regions, or engaging with other international opportunities, with decisions being made on a case by case basis.

Given the dynamic nature of the offshore wind market, our approach will be reviewed regularly to reflect the latest market intelligence.

The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer meets regularly with both the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health, and Social Care and I on medicine policy matters, including supporting consistency in prescribing across the NHS in Scotland. This includes work on evolving individual Health Board medicine formularies to regional formularies covering prescribing in both hospitals and primary care, based on a collaborative consensus model which builds upon proven existing local governance and decision-making processes. This work has recently been endorsed by Health Board Chief Executives as a priority work programme.