Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19714 on 12 July 2023 for details of the programme for the £5 million pledge for the loss and damage funding.

All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

Our thoughts remain with the family of the person who died in a collision with a heavy goods vehicle on the A85 between Crianlarich and Lix Toll on 23 August 2021.

Each year Transport Scotland, through its Operating Companies, undertakes a review of collisions on the trunk road network to identify cluster sites, or routes with recorded collisions that may be worthwhile of further investigation. This evidence led approach ensures that resources can be targeted at locations where the greatest potential for casualty reduction is available.

The most recent screening process did not identify the A85 between Glen Ogle and Crianlarich as a priority site for further investigation for safer active travel provision. The fatal accident referred to above was the only accident involving a pedal cyclist on this part of the A85 since 2014, which does not indicate a trend of injury accidents. Transport Scotland will continue to monitor road safety at this location.

The programme will be delivered via a grant-funded partner. The initial funding will be used for global consultation on selection criteria and methodology with the aim of presenting it in draft at COP28. Grants will then be disbursed on the basis of these criteria to global communities most in need. Officials will also seek to leverage matched finance from other sources to increase the impact and value of this funding. This approach was tested with global stakeholders at an event in March to ensure that it upholds the principles identified at SG’s loss and damage conference last year, demonstrates best practice and ensures the maximum contribution of equitable funding goes to global communities most in need. Parliament will be updated accordingly when a decision has been reached on a grant-funded partner, in advance of a public announcement.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-19052 on 22 June 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

Scottish SPCA inspectors currently undertake training to enable them to carry out their duties as part of their current responsibilities provided through the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. This includes internal training courses, on the job training, and externally audited training during and after their probation period.

We expect that any additional training would be incorporated into current training. The details of the training and the associated costs will be developed after the public consultation on the proposals this summer.

Ministers are offered a SG mobile telephone on appointment. Our records show costs per year as follows:

2018-19 - £2,210

2019-20 - £3,802

2020-21 - £1,490

2021-22 - £1,463

2022-23 - £10,957

As our spring campaign officially ended on 30 June, the level of stock held in Scotland is minimal, after a programme where we delivered over 490,000 doses. The number of doses currently held by NHS Scotland is calculated to be around 96,000.

In addition there remains residual stock allocated to Scotland within the ownership of UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) that has not been drawn down by NHS Scotland health boards.

The Scottish Government is committed to equitable and timely access to general and specialist palliative care services, as needed, by each person of any age, living with any illnesses, in all places. We want people to receive care where they feel most comfortable. For many, but not all, this will be at home supported by their family and friends and cared for by primary care teams and care staff.

It is the responsibility of Integrated Joint Boards to plan and commission adult palliative care services which are provided in a wide range of settings including acute hospitals, community hospitals, specialist palliative care units, hospices, care homes and people’s own homes.

We are currently developing a new Palliative and End of Live Care Strategy with an overarching aim that everyone in Scotland receives well-coordinated, timely and high-quality palliative care, care around death and bereavement support based on their needs and preferences, including support for families and carers.

The Scottish Government’s Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Gateway was involved in managing the statutory correspondence between Aberdeen City Council and the consultation authorities (Scottish Environment Protection Agency), NautreScot and Historic Environment Scotland) for Aberdeen’s Beachfront Development Framework as required by the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005.

The Scottish Government is committed to supporting local communities through city regeneration projects such as the Aberdeen beachfront regeneration and will work with Aberdeen City Council and other partners as they take forward its regeneration.

There are currently different standards to meet depending on tenure. All housing must meet the Tolerable Standard, Private Rented Sector homes must meet the Repairing Standard with only social homes required to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.

Local authorities have broad discretionary powers to support home-owners who have difficulty covering the cost of repairs required to meet with minimum standards. They are required to have a Scheme of Assistance in place which sets out the financial and non-financial help that is appropriate for that area.