Chamber and committees

Undertaking river restoration and flood protection activities may require authorisation from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR). From November 2025, these regulations created a more streamlined and integrated system for environmental authorisations in Scotland.

There are four types of authorisation and which one is required depends on several factors, including the risk to the environment from the proposed activity. For example, some low-risk activities may be carried out without the need to apply to SEPA, provided the associated rules (General Binding Rules) are followed.

SEPA provides guidance on the types of EASR authorisation and for certain activities, like dredging. Early engagement with SEPA is advised to prevent any unnecessary delays to any activities being considered that may impact the water environment.

In addition, the Scottish Government supports Farming and Water Scotland, which provides a range of advice and guidance to helps farmers and land managers understand and comply with relevant regulations.

The Road Safety Framework to 2030 sets out Scotland’s ambition to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 50% and to have the best road safety performance in the world by 2030.

To support this ambition, the Scottish Government is investing £41 million in road safety in 2026-27. This includes £750,000 to our established Road Safety Framework Fund in 2026-27. This fund enables local authorities and partners to develop and deliver targeted road safety initiatives, any applications for Community Speed Watch initiatives would be considered through this fund. These projects play an important role in promoting safer driving behaviours, supporting communities, and helping to reduce casualties across Scotland’s road network.

The Scottish Government is committed to supporting the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) by ensuring that charging infrastructure is comprehensive, convenient, and accessible to all. I understand the importance of enabling those without access to off street parking to charge their vehicles conveniently, safely and cost-effectively.

The Road (Scotland) Act 1984 identifies that responsibility for private installations sits with local roads authorities. Under Section 109 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, local authorities have the power to issue permits for the installation of private apparatus, such as cross-pavement charging. Decisions about permitting cross-pavement charging are therefore the responsibility of Scotland’s local authorities.

On 22 May, the Scottish Collaboration of Transport Specialists (SCOTS), a strategic collaborative body representing Scotland’s 32 local authorities and seven regional transport partnerships, published guidance on cross-pavement charging, following a consultation with Scotland’s roads authorities. This guidance addresses legal, safety, and accessibility issues and supports local authorities to make decisions on cross-pavement charging.

Through our Cross-Pavement Charging Grant Fund, this Government is providing up to £3,500 to households to support the installation of cross-pavement charging solutions for domestic properties that lack off-street parking, subject to local authority approval.

The Scottish Government worked in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to develop the application and distribution process. Although there was no formal appeals process, unsuccessful applicants could contact HIE to outline any concerns about the process.

The Class 222 trains are expected to enter passenger service by late 2027, with a phased introduction continuing through 2028. The full fleet is expected to be in operation by the December 2028 timetable.

Following successful procurement, the Class 222 trains will undergo an extensive £80 million overhaul and refurbishment prior to delivery to ScotRail, supported by £67 million of investment from the Scottish Government.

They will provide a more consistent, reliable, comfortable, accessible and family-friendly experience for passengers, helping to encourage more people to travel by rail rather than by car, while also support the long-term sustainability of InterCity services by reducing emissions and lowering operating costs through improved energy efficiency.

The Scottish Government Football Banning Order consultation opened on 1 December 2025 and closed on 23 February 2026. There have been over 900 responses to that consultation, the results of which will be published shortly and will inform legislation.

Multi-agency involvement is often required when noise complaints relate to wider antisocial behaviours. To manage reports of noise complaints which require a multi-agency approach, the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004: noise nuisance guidance issued by the Scottish Government is available to public bodies.

The Scottish Government recognises the importance of supporting access to home electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

To date, over £6.7 million has supported the installation of more than 21,600 home charge points across Scotland.

A further £3.45 million is being provided this financial year to continue supporting the rollout of home charging infrastructure.

This funding is focused on lower-income households, those in rural and island communities, residents of flatted properties, and households without driveways, including where cross-pavement charging solutions are permitted.

Ministers are at the early stages of taking forward the commitment to introduce a Rural Renewal Bill. Further details on stakeholder engagement will be available in due course.

Please see the following data from both the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and the Scottish Government’s Justice Analytical Service. Please note that The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 came into force on 5 November 2021. The 2021 Act amends the offence under the 1953 Act, so all proceedings are still under the 1953 Act (as amended).

Data on charges under Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Scotland) Act 1953 or the amendment, reported to COPFS, prosecuted, and convicted are given in Table 1.

Table 1: Charges under:- Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 S1(1)&(6)-Worry livestock on a farm – attack, reported to COPFS, prosecuted, and convicted.

Financial Year Reported