Seòmar agus comataidhean

A Scottish Government Planning Factsheet issued in 2014 to support the Scottish Planning Policy recognised that separation distance is a design matter dependent on a range of criteria.

National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), adopted on 13th February this year, forms part of the statutory development plan alongside the relevant Local Development Plan. Part 2 of NPF4 sets out the policy framework for use in the determination of planning applications. Matters concerning project design and mitigation are set out in policy 11(e). In the NPF4 Delivery Programme, we have given our commitment to progress work on a new suite of guidance and advice that will support activity to deliver the policy intent of NPF4. We will do this alongside careful monitoring of the implementation of policies.

‎To support delivery of NPF4, previously published planning guidance and advice will be revisited over time to establish whether it should be retained, removed or updated.

There are currently three stakeholder groups that are chaired by the Scottish Government, these are; Deposit Return Scheme - Retailers Sector Group Meeting, Deposit Return Scheme - Hospitality Sector Group Meeting, and Deposit Return Scheme - Producer Sector Group Meeting. There are also plans for a separate Local Authority stakeholder group which have been delayed by recent developments.

These groups provide a platform for communication and discussion for stakeholders and maintain relationships to ensure transparent communication and that all stakeholders are inputting into the process.

Decisions remain with organisations that are best placed to make them e.g. if SEPA are responsible they will have their own decision-making process and this will be respected.

CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL) operate a bespoke planned maintenance system which was introduced a number of years ago on the Major Vessel Fleet. A project is underway to replace the system with a modern off the shelf established, marine system, however this project is dependent on funding being secured. The new system would allow standardisation of planned maintenance across the whole fleet as well as bringing efficiencies to the preventative maintenance, data and record keeping and drive efficiencies in the dry-docking process.

We have no current plans to introduce legislation on minimum distances between onshore wind turbines.

SEPA and Scottish Water communications campaigns highlight the public’s role in managing our water environment, this summer and beyond.

SEPA encourages the reporting of dry rivers and burns. They request that photographs of the conditions are submitted if available together with location data. This helps provide the best possible understanding of the impacts of dry weather.

Scottish Government urges households using private water supplies for drinking water which have run dry to contact their local authorities for assistance.

While we encourage public reporting SEPA and Scottish Water have the lead in monitoring water resources and ensuring action can be taken swiftly where required.

Police Scotland updated the Scottish Police Authority Resources Committee on 9 May 2023, that it is working with structural engineers and business areas to identify longer term solutions for the areas where reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been found. While these solutions will be considered in the context of the delivery of the Police Scotland Estate Strategy, Police Scotland will continue to closely monitor the condition of the RAAC in the affected buildings.

The Scottish Government welcomes the analysis set out in the Climate Change Committee’s Sixth Carbon Budget, where Scotland’s contribution to Net Zero is laid out in Chapter 4.

We recognise the contribution that nuclear generation makes to the current energy mix in Scotland; however, its contribution is set to decrease as we increase electricity generation from renewable and other low carbon sources. As set out in our draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, significant growth in renewables, storage, hydrogen and carbon capture provide the best pathway to net zero by 2045, and will deliver a climate friendly energy system that delivers affordable, resilient and clean energy supplies for Scotland's households, business and communities.

Police Scotland updated the Scottish Police Authority Resources Committee on 9 May 2023, that reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been found in three locations – Fettes in Edinburgh, Perth, and Baluniefield in Dundee.

The total cost of consultants working on the National Care Service to date is £2,014,000.00.

I would like to thank the Scottish SPCA Taskforce for conducting the review and providing the final report. Following consideration of the report provided by the Scottish SPCA Taskforce, I can announce that I will be bringing forward provisions in the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill at Stage 2 to allow for a limited extension of the Scottish SPCA’s current powers to investigate wildlife crime.

The powers will allow the Scottish SPCA to in certain circumstances search, examine and seize evidence in connection with specified wildlife crime offences.

Our full proposals have been published on the Scottish Government webpages, which you can find here: www.gov.scot/isbn/9781835210468 , and I have written to the Parliament notifying them of the proposals. We will also be consulting with key stakeholders on the proposals over the summer.