Questions and answers

Question reference: S4W-07103

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 09 May 2012
Current Status: Answered by Derek Mackay on 23 May 2012

To ask the Scottish Executive what the legislative basis is for assessing local planning authority performance against the planning performance framework.

Question reference: S4W-07106

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 09 May 2012
Current Status: Answered by Derek Mackay on 23 May 2012

To ask the Scottish Executive how the planning performance framework measures local authority performance against objectives on (a) climate change, (b) biodiversity and (c) community engagement.

The planning performance framework, developed by Heads of Planning Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government, measures and reports on how planning is delivered as a public service. As such, it is focused primarily on actions taken by planning authorities in performing their development planning, development management and enforcement functions, rather than being explicit on the role of planning in delivering a range of objectives and obligations. Nevertheless, the framework includes provision for planning authorities to report on matters such as activity to influence high-quality development and customer engagement.

Question reference: S4W-07104

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 09 May 2012
Current Status: Answered by Derek Mackay on 23 May 2012

To ask the Scottish Executive how the planning performance framework impacts on the funding for local planning authorities.

We have consistently emphasised that there must be an inextricable link between higher planning application fees and guarantees over improved performance. A current Scottish Government consultation discusses a possible new fee structure and fee levels. This consultation paper also indicates the intention that fees and performance are to be linked. We intend to consult on how we establish and maintain the link and are considering how the planning performance framework can influence future choices on fee levels.

Question reference: S4W-07102

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 09 May 2012
Current Status: Answered by Derek Mackay on 23 May 2012

To ask the Scottish Executive what the purpose is of the planning performance framework.

Question reference: S4W-07108

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 09 May 2012
Current Status: Answered by Derek Mackay on 23 May 2012

To ask the Scottish Executive how it will ensure that the views of (a) community groups, (b) local communities, (c) environmental organisations and (d) other stakeholders are taken into account when (i) identifying and (ii) adopting a suitable framework to measure the performance of local planning authorities and what discussions it has had with these groups.

Question reference: S4W-07107

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 09 May 2012
Current Status: Answered by Derek Mackay on 23 May 2012

To ask the Scottish Executive what groups were consulted on the development of the planning performance framework.

Question reference: S4W-07143

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 11 May 2012
Current Status: Answered by John Swinney on 22 May 2012

To ask the Scottish Executive what analysis has been done on the capacity for postgraduate study to contribute to its 2020 renewable energy target.

The Scottish Government is committed to skills investment in the energy sector and believes that postgraduate study will play an important role in equipping the sector to help deliver our 2020 renewable energy targets.

The Skills Investment Plan for the Energy Sector, published in March 2011 by Skills Development Scotland, highlights the main skills requirements for the energy sector in Scotland. The skills the renewables industry will need to meet our 2020 targets will come from the existing labour force, from modern apprenticeships, from technician-focused college courses and private sector courses as well as from undergraduate and postgraduate higher education courses.

Question reference: S4W-07144

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 11 May 2012
Current Status: Answered by John Swinney on 22 May 2012

To ask the Scottish Executive how many postgraduate places will be needed to develop the skills required for the delivery of its 2020 renewable energy target, broken down by discipline.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that we have the skills to capitalise on the opportunities that energy presents for jobs and growth in Scotland. We anticipate that the skills needed to meet the 2020 targets will come from the existing labour market supported by modern apprenticeships and college courses, as well as from both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Under the Postgraduate Students’ Allowances Scheme the Scottish Government provides tuition fee support to Scottish domiciled and EU students. We will review eligible courses for academic year 2013-14 to ensure that they meet our economic priorities.

Question reference: S4O-01056

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 24 May 2012

To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to secure a visit to Scotland by Aung San Suu Kyi during her planned visit to the UK in June 2012.

Question reference: S4W-06877

Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Current Status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 8 May 2012

To ask the Scottish Executive what progress is being made on implementing the recommendations in Audit Scotland's report, The Gathering 2009, in relation to organising Clans 2014.

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