Chamber and committees

National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) is clear that Local Development Plans (LDPs) should be place-based and provide clear expectations for design. This includes identifying where more detailed design guidance is expected, which could include design codes.

NPF4 also sets out that planning authorities should use the Place Standard tool when preparing their LDPs and design guidance to engage with communities and other stakeholders.

LDP guidance, published by the Scottish Government, reinforces NPF4 and emphasises the importance of collaboration in high quality design and provides advice on the appropriate scales for different design tools, which can be used by planning authorities.

We are undertaking a comprehensive review of non-domestic rates which will examine improvements and reforms that can be made to the system, and working closely with business to ensure the system provides the clarity, incentive and transparency which businesses need.

The Scottish Government does not support the construction of new nuclear power stations in Scotland under current technologies, including small modular reactors. This position is not impacted by any new or increased source of electricity demand, including data centre development.

Our focus is on renewable energy, which is already delivering clean power and supporting economic growth across Scotland.

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.

As this question relates to an operational matter for Revenue Scotland, it has been passed to the Chief Executive of Revenue Scotland for consideration. I understand that the Chief Executive has now written you in response.

Vision are the only supplier approved on the current framework following the exiting of the market of two other suppliers earlier in the process. The current framework runs to 2029 with the option to extend to 2032. We will be working with stakeholders to assess the options for managing suppliers wishing to supply GP IT in Scotland following the conclusion of the current framework in due course.

Due to delays to the UK Government’s implementation timeline for Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) reform in England and Wales, the former Cabinet Secretary for Housing confirmed to the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee on 9 March 2026 that, due to the impact of this delay on introducing EPC reform in Scotland, it would not be appropriate to lay the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations during that session of Parliament. The delay would impact landlords’ ability to obtain an EPC certificate which accurately reflects the new Heat Retention Rating. This letter can be found: https://www.parliament.scot/-/media/files/committees/local-gov/correspondence/2026/epc-reform-and-energy-efficiency-standards_cab-sec-housing-to-lghp_9-march-2026.pdf

The Scottish Government has now laid the draft Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2026 before Parliament, which, if agreed, would see reformed EPCs introduced from April 2028. This new date reflects the UK Government’s revised timeline for EPC reform, to allow time for the roll-out of, and assessor training in, the new Home Energy Model, to be finalised during the second half of 2027. We will confirm the next steps to Parliament as soon as possible on our approach to the PRS MEES regulations.

There is no single and specific retention period for road traffic offence data held by Police Scotland. Retention depends on the type of offence and the policing purpose. Police Scotland applies their formal Records Retention Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), with crime and offence records retained according to risk-based retention rules.

I have asked NatureScot to respond. Their response is as follows:

"Lichens and hazel are considered typical species of the Ness Woods SAC woodland habitats and impacts to these species have been considered in the context of the relevant conservation objectives throughout the assessment process for this development.

"NatureScot has agreed with the conclusions of the Habitats Regulations Appraisal for the proposal in relation to the SAC and also that the required mitigation and compensatory measures would be sufficient.

"These measures included a requirement for dust monitoring and management to mitigate the effects of dust deposition on the lichen species.

"NatureScot therefore did not participate in the public hearing and so did not submit a Hearing Statement, although it has responded to questions from the Reporter."

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.