BEFS Bulletin 343: BEFS reflects on 2023 and looks towards 2024
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BEFS NEWS
At the close of BEFS 20th Year we’d like to wish all our past team, Trustees as well as Members, Associates and colleagues across the sector a huge thank you for your support over the years, and for your continued engagement with BEFS.
It’s been a busy year across the sector and we’re proud to have been able to produce many significant consultation responses this year; the launch of the Sustainable Investment Tool; and the formation of a new sector strategy.
We hope everyone manages a little time to relax over the festive period and we look forward to working with you all in 2024.
At the close of the year, there is still continued activity across the sector.
On Tuesday 19 December the Scottish Government published their draft Budget for 2024-2025. This draft budget is for one year, and headline figures are discussed in BEFS Blog, here. SPICe have released their initial findings, which makes interesting reading, here.
HES have published the Reports on the Inventory of Historic Battlefields. BEFS was happy to support some of the facilitation around this work over the past few years, and is delighted to see the outputs released.
In the early months of 2024 BEFS expects to work with Members and the sector in relation to responses to the new Heat in Buildings Bill consultations.
In Westminster, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill had its second reading in the House of Lords on 5 December, leading to concerns being raised about the impact of new consumer protection rules on charity access to Gift Aid. This blog sets out the key issues for membership organisations where Gift Aid is critical to their operating model. The Heritage Alliance are collecting evidence on the impacts of the Bill in order to highlight the unintended consequences and welcome any evidence from heritage organisations on the value of Gift Aid to their finances. Please contact Lydia to share any evidence of potential impact.
The Heritage Alliance have also written to the Home Secretary to express concerns about the impact of the new £38.7k salary threshold for Tier 2 Visas on the archaeological, conservation and academic sectors, as it also applies to spousal visas for the partners of UK citizens and involves scrapping the Shortage Occupation List. They are collecting evidence on the wider consequences of these changes.
BEFS first Bulletin of 2024 will be out on 18 January. Until then, BEFS Team and Board wish all of our readers a relaxing festive period, and a happy New Year.
CONSULTATIONS
Feedback on Historic England Advice and Guidance documents
Historic England
Historic England seeks feedback on the effectiveness of the advice contained in the new Historic England Advice Note (HEAN) covering Climate Change and Historic Building Adaptation.
Closes 24 December 2023
Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is gathering views to help inform the scope of any legislation for a proposed Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill.
The Bill aims to further improve decision making and the implementation of the National Performance Framework to ensure that all policy and delivery is focused on increasing the wellbeing of people living in Scotland, both now and in the future.
*NEW* Closes 14 February 2023
National Parks in Scotland
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government invites individuals, communities, and organisations to develop and submit formal nominations for their area to become Scotland’s next National Park.
Closes 29 February 2024
Home Energy Model: replacement for the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP)
UK Government
The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the methodology currently used by the government to estimate the energy performance of homes across the United Kingdom. The Home Energy Model will replace the SAP for the energy rating of dwellings. This is a consultation on the Model while it is still at a formative stage, so that industry can participate in the development process.
*NEW* Closes 6 March 2024
Social Housing Net Zero Standard in Scotland
Scottish Government
The social housing sector has led the way on energy efficiency in recent years and is well placed to build on this further while building in longer term ambition to transition to clean heating. This consultation seeks views on a new Social Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZS) in Scotland. This new standard will replace the second Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH2).
Closes 8 March 2024
Proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill
Scottish Government
There is no way to meet a legal obligation to reach ‘net zero’ without changing the heating systems in the vast majority of buildings. The purpose of this consultation is to make everyone aware of the proposal to make new laws around the heating systems that can be used in homes and places of work, and to invite views on those proposals.
Closes 8 March 2024
CONSULTATION RESPONSES
Effective Community Engagement in the Local Development Planning Process (Scot Gov 14/12/2023)
Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 14/12/2023)
International culture strategy: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 18/12/2023)
NEWS RELEASES
Commission welcomes political agreement on new rules to boost energy performance of buildings across the EU (European Commission 07/12/2023)
Scotland’s Towns Partnership appoints new Chief Officer (STP 11/12/2023)
Four new Trustees appointed to SURF Board (SURF 12/12/2023)
UK towns and cities get £5 million funding boost to help bring disused historic buildings back to life (The Architectural Heritage Fund 12/12/2023)
New Public Affairs Appointment to Scottish Land & Estates’ Team (Scottish Land & Estates 18/12/2023)
Scotland’s climate changing faster than predicted (James Hutton Institute 19/12/2023)
PUBLICATIONS
Correspondence from joint UK Regulators to the CEOs of UK banks regarding charity banking access and customer service (OSCR 15/11/2023)
Townscapes: A Universal Basic Infrastructure for the UK (University of Cambridge 05/12/2023)
SURF Award Results (SURF 06/12/2023)
Reports on the Inventory of Historic Battlefields (HES 12/12/2023)
UK Heritage Pulse Spotlight on: Skills. Results from November 2023 Panel Research (National Lottery Heritage Fund 13/12/2023)
Who is most likely to live in homes that are harder to keep warm? (ONS 14/12/2023)
Resourcing the Planning Service (RTPI Scotland Research briefing) Key trends and findings 2023 (RTPI 15/12/2023)
Historic Environment Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022-23 (HES 19/12/2023)
New Gaelic Language Plan building on partnership and community work (HES 20/12/2023)
SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS
Workshop Summary: Resourcing the Planning System (Scot Gov 20/11/2023)
Correspondence between Cllr Cammy Day, City of Edinburgh Council and Cllr Bill Lobban, Highland Council and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 28/11/2023)
National Transport Strategy: Third Annual Delivery Plan (Transport Scotland 08/12/2023)
Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 13/12/2023)
Heat transition: public engagement strategic framework (Scot Gov 13/12/2023)
Correspondence regarding Historic Environment Scotland site closures: FOI release (Scot Gov 13/12/2023)
Correspondence between Neil Gray and the Economy and Fair Work Committee regarding the committee’s inquiry report on retail and town centres (Scot Gov 13/12/2023)
Response from the UK Government to the Built Environment Committee report on the impact of environmental regulations on development (UK Gov 13/12/2023)
Increasing housing availability using the tax system (Scot Gov 14/12/2023)
Correspondence between David Duncan, assistant chief constable at Police Scotland and the Convenor of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport committee regarding the Circular Economy Bill (Scot Parl 14/12/2023)
SPICe Spotlight: Routes to further land reform – the origins of current Scottish Government proposals (SPICe 15/12/2023)
SPICe Spotlight: What do the Scottish Government’s proposals for land reform look like? (SPICe 15/12/2023)
SPICe Spotlight: Land Reform Consultation – What are the key stakeholders saying? (SPICe 15/12/2023)
Correspondence between the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity and the Convenor of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport committee regarding the Circular Economy Bill (Scot Gov 15/Dec/2023)
Long-Term Plan for Towns: guidance for local authorities and Town Boards. Guidance covers the following towns in Scotland: Greenock, Irvine, Kilmarnock, Coatbridge, Clydebank, Dumfries and Elgin (UK Gov 18/12/2023)
Scottish Budget: 2024 to 2025 (Scot Gov 19/12/2023)
Digital telecommunications: planning guidance (Scot Gov 20/12/2023)
OPINION & COMMENT
How harmful is damp and mould in UK homes and who is most at risk? (The Guardian 12/11/2023)
Podcast – Europa Nostra at 60: A look into the past, present and future (Europa Nostra 29/11/2023)
Scotland doesn’t have powerful local government – it’s time we did (Holyrood Magazine 04/12/2023)
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill: Will new consumer protection rules restrict access to Gift Aid? (Charles Russell Speechlys 08/12/2023)
West Lothian Council ‘can’t afford’ school’s £35m Raac rebuild (BBC News 11/12/2023)
Caroline Gumble: 2023 reflections from the Chartered Institute of Building (Scottish Construction Now 12/12/2023)
Cop28: Historic climate deal calls for ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels (The Times 13/12/2023)
Glasgow trust which saves historic buildings given funding (The Herald 14/12/2023)
Has beauty become a dirty word? (Arts Professional 14/12/2023)
Craft skills charity returns £11.2m over sex trafficking claims (FE Week 18/12/2023)
Glasgow cheerleaders should admit it. The city is on its knees (Architects Journal 19/12/2023)
Number of long-term empty homes skyrockets despite ScotGov crackdown (The Herald 19/12/2023)
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament. Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.
Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 27/11/2023
S6W-23272
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to change the current funding mix to Creative Scotland to enable it to introduce a capital programme to support the refurbishment of cultural assets.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 6 December 2023
Mark Ruskell, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: 06/12/2023
S6W-23610
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the proposed Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill and Future Generations Commissioner.
Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Shona Robison on 6 December 2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 28/11/2023
S6W-23315
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what it is doing to support local authorities in locating and addressing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete outside of schools and housing.
Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 7 December 2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 30/11/2023
S6W-23351
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the date by which it expects reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) to be removed from all NHS buildings, and whether it has a comparable target to that set in England to eradicate RAAC from the NHS estate by 2035.
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 11 December 2023
Jackie Dunbar, Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 11/12/2023
S6W-23787
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its proposed Land Reform Bill.
Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 12 December 2023
Colin Smyth, South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 27/11/2023
S6W-23221
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of public sector grants and contracts are currently delivered on a multi-year basis.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 12 December 2023
S6W-23222
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that multi-year funding arrangements for the voluntary sector have annual inflation-based uplifts inbuilt, at a level as close to inflation as possible.
S6W-23223
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that its funding decisions regarding support for the voluntary sector are issued no later than December, and that any funds are paid no later than the start of the tax year in April.
S6W-23224
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to develop a longer-term funding model for the voluntary sector across all of its directorates.
S6W-23225
To ask the Scottish Government whether it defines multi-year funding for voluntary sector organisations as a three-year minimum commitment.
Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 12 December 2023
Tess White, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 30/11/2023
S6W-23472
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-21458 by Michael Matheson on 4 October 2023, how many NHS properties have been physically surveyed as part of the national programme to identify the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 12 December 2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 28/11/2023
S6W-23314
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will create a reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete register, covering the Scottish Government estate and public bodies, similar to the one reportedly being looked at by the UK Government.
S6W-23315
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what it is doing to support local authorities in locating and addressing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete outside of schools and housing.
Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 13 December 2023
S6W-23316
To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on how many of the 39 school buildings that have reportedly been identified as still needing a reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) assessment have (a) been confirmed as containing the substance and (b) received a RAG rating for any RAAC identified.
Current status: Holding Answer by Jenny Gilruth on 13 December 2023
Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 04/12/2023
S6W-23346
To ask the Scottish Government whether the topic of any Barnett consequential funding arising from the UK Government’s policy of 75% rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure premises for 2023-24 has been discussed at the weekly meetings between the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and senior finance officials, and, if so, when it was (a) first and (b) last discussed.
Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 13 December 2023
Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/12/2023
S6W-23595
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to introducing statutory designation for the sites of important historic battles.
S6W-23596
To ask the Scottish Government what the appeal process is for Historic Environment Scotland land designations.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 13 December 2023
Brian Whittle, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/12/2023
S6W-23582
To ask the Scottish Government how it defines the term “just transition” in the context of urban communities.
S6W-23583
To ask the Scottish Government how it defines the term “just transition” in the context of skills development.
S6W-23584
To ask the Scottish Government how it defines the term “just transition” in the context of rural communities.
Current status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 13 December 2023
Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 05/12/2023
S6W-23569 R
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the £50 million fund announced on 19 December 2020 to bring vacant and derelict land back into use has been used to invest in new affordable housing.
S6W-23570
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the £50 million fund announced on 19 December 2020 to bring vacant and derelict land back into use has been allocated to date.
S6W-23571
To ask the Scottish Government how many hectares of vacant and derelict land have been brought back into use as a result of the fund that it announced on 19 December 2020.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 13 December 2023
Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/12/2023
S6W-23622
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-12793 by Neil Gray on 12 December 2022, what information it has on how many Freedom of Information requests have been made to Historic Environment Scotland in 2023, and what percentage of those requests were answered on or within 20 working days.
S6W-23623
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-12784 by Neil Gray on 12 December 2022, what information it has on how many members of Historic Scotland there are as of 30 November 2023.
S6W-23624
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-12785 by Neil Gray on 12 December 2022, what information it has on what the total cost was for an (a) adult, (b) concession and (c) young person Direct Debit membership for Historic Scotland in 2023.
S6W-23625
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-12786 by Neil Gray on 12 December 2022, what information it holds on how many sites that are managed by Historic Environment Scotland and its predecessor agencies have been (a) open, (b) temporarily closed and (c) permanently closed in 2022-23.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 13 December 2023
Sue Webber, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/12/2023
S6O-02864
To ask the Scottish Government whether it is planning any new infrastructure investments in the next financial year in connection with City and Regional Growth Deals.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 13 December 2023
Willie Coffey, Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 06/12/2023
S6O-02889
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its cladding remediation programme.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 14 December 2023
Maurice Golden, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 29/11/2023
S6W-23325
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a list of all active funding streams within the (a) Energy and Climate Change and (b) Environment and Forestry directorate, broken down by the (i) purpose of, (ii) launch and end dates of, (iii) total value of and (iv) total amount awarded to date through each funding stream.
Current status: Holding Answer by Mairi McAllan on 14 December 2023
Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 29/11/2023
S6W-23409
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its recently announced proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill, how many (a) rental properties and (b) privately-owned homes it estimates would have to be retrofitted by 2033 to comply with its proposed measures.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 14 December 2023
Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 30/11/2023
S6W-23469
To ask the Scottish Government how many heat pump engineers it estimates there currently are in Scotland, and what support it will offer to the sector in order to train more engineers to (a) install and (b) maintain heat pumps.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 14 December 2023
Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 05/12/2023
S6W-23572
To ask the Scottish Government, further to its announcement on 7 November 2023, when it will provide an update on the anticipated publication date of the new Climate Change Plan; whether it will publish a timeline setting out the periods for public engagement and proposed parliamentary scrutiny of the new plan, and what time will be allocated, ahead of the statutory deadline, to permit an assessment and considered response to that engagement and scrutiny.
S6W-23573
To ask the Scottish Government on what date it plans to publish the final version of the publication, Reducing car use for a healthier, fairer and greener Scotland: A route map to achieve a 20 per cent reduction in car kilometres by 2030, which was committed to in the 2020 Climate Change Plan update and subject to consultation between January and April 2022.
Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 14 December 2023
Paul Sweeney, Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 06/12/2023
S6W-23631
To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent on developing the National Digital Platform for Scotland since 2018, broken down by financial year.
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 14 December 2023
Pam Duncan-Glancy, Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 30/11/2023
S6W-23417
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its discussions with independent education providers regarding any presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in the private education estate.
Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 19 December 2023
Maurice Golden, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/12/2023
S6W-23562
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to recommendation 22 in the report, Investor Panel, Mobilising international capital to help finance the transition to Net Zero, on whether public sector connections to heat grids should be mandatory.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 19 December 2023
Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 05/12/2023
S6W-23574
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to reform energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings, and whether it will consider linking its stated policy of introducing rent controls to EPC ratings.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 19 December 2023
Pam Gosal, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/12/2023
S6W-23580
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the establishment of new national parks.
S6W-23581
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out any assessment of how effectively Scotland’s national parks are being governed.
Current status: Answered by Lorna Slater on 19 December 2023
Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 11/12/2023
S6W-23762
To ask the Scottish Government how many more times the Housing to 2040 Strategic Board must meet in the year up to its first anniversary on 22 March 2024 to meet the commitment for the board to increase the number of times it meets from two to three times a year.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 19 December 2023
Ross Greer, West Scotland, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: 18/12/2023
S6W-24021
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of its plans for the future of the Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan, in light of the upcoming reform of the post-school education and skills landscape.
Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Lorna Slater on 19 December 2023
Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 14/12/2023
S6W-23858
To ask the Scottish Government how it is monitoring the progress regarding the introduction of 20-minute neighbourhoods across Scotland.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 20 December 2023
Brian Whittle, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 07/12/2023
S6W-23653
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22629 by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023, whether it is considering making any changes to its marketing strategy to further raise awareness of the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan scheme.
S6W-23654
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22629 by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023, what demographic data it is using to target its marketing campaign for the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan scheme.
S6W-23655
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22629 by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023, what demographic data it is using to target its marketing campaign for the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan scheme towards households that are able to consider installing a heat pump, and from what source this data was gathered.
S6W-23656
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22629 by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023, what criteria it uses to assess whether a household is “able to consider installing a heat pump”.
S6W-23657
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22629 by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023, what specific (a) actions and (b) outreach its marketing campaign for the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan scheme consists of.
S6W-23658
To ask the Scottish Government how much it has (a) budgeted for and (b) spent on the most recent marketing campaigns for the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan scheme.
S6W-23659
To ask the Scottish Government how much it anticipates that it will spend on any revisions to the current marketing plans for the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan scheme.
S6W-23660
To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on the number of energy efficiency businesses that are (a) located and (b) operating in Scotland, and how many of these are SMEs, broken down by local authority area.
S6W-23661
To ask the Scottish Government how many entities have been named as installers on Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan scheme applications, broken down by (a) local authority area, (b) type of low-carbon heat technology and (c) type of energy efficiency measure.
S6W-23662
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22658 by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023, what economic modelling it has done to ensure that the recycling sector is prepared for the future potential demand of recycling of units and component parts of (a) gas boiler and (b) heat pumps and other clean heat systems.
S6W-23663
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22645 by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023, how it will determine whether the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme has been successful.
S6W-23664
To ask the Scottish Government what the cost of operating the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme was in terms of (a) overall staff, (b) IT and (c) administration cost to the Scottish Government in the 2022-23 grant year.
S6W-23666
To ask the Scottish Government what criteria applicants must meet in order to be considered for the rural uplift under the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme.
S6W-23667
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22651 by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023, for what reasons an approved application including rural uplift would not be paid.
S6W-23669
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22659 by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023, what support is available for homeowners who are seeking to install renewable heating systems to meet net zero and heat in buildings targets, but for which current renewable solutions that are technically feasible would increase the running costs of the home.
S6W-23670
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22657 by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023, what economic modelling has been completed to understand the potential impact of future demand for servicing of renewable heating solutions on market rates for (a) labour and (b) parts.
S6W-23674
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it has made on the actions outlined in the Heat in Buildings Supply Chains Delivery Plan to date.
S6W-23676
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to the potential impact that maintenance costs may have on the longevity of green heat systems in low-income households when developing its Heat in Buildings Bill consultation.
S6W-23677
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22664 by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023, whether applicants to the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme must meet a minimum (a) repair and (b) insulation standard, where technically feasible, prior to becoming eligible for funding for renewable heating systems.
S6W-23680
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22672 by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023, what plans it has to “evolve and adapt” these schemes, in light of reports from the industry that current funding for energy efficiency retrofit projects needs to be more flexible and distributed from fewer sources.
S6W-23681
To ask the Scottish Government what specific action points have arisen from meetings between the Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights and the energy efficiency sector in the past year.
S6W-23683
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22666 by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023, what economic modelling has been completed to understand the ability of the current supply chain for heat pump maintenance to meet future demand.
S6W-23685
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22648 by Graeme Dey on 16 November 2023, in light of the targets presented in the Heat in Buildings Bill consultation, whether it will begin to collect data on how many students are pursuing energy efficiency qualifications.
S6W-23686
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-22647 by Graeme Dey on 16 November 2023, in light of the targets presented in the Heat in Buildings Bill consultation, whether it will begin to collect data on how many students who have completed energy efficiency qualifications have remained in Scotland and are currently employed within the energy efficiency sector.
Current status: Answers expected on 21 December 2023
Douglas Lumsden, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 08/12/2023
S6W-23706
To ask the Scottish Government how many heat engineer apprenticeships were available in the current financial year.
S6W-23707
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of all grants that are currently available for the installation of heat pumps in private homes.
Current status: Answers expected on 8 January 2024
Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 13/12/2023
S6W-23837
To ask the Scottish Government what the underoccupancy rate has been for each of its offices in each month since January 2019, also broken down by location.
Current status: Answer expected on 11 January 2024
Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 14/12/2023
S6W-23905
To ask the Scottish Government how many buildings currently remain in the Single Building Assessment pilot, and how many have been (a) completed and (b) removed from the pilot.
Current status: Answer expected on 12 January 2024
Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 15/12/2023
S6W-23949
To ask the Scottish Government which local authorities have published Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES), and whether it anticipates that any local authorities will not publish LHEES by the end of 2023.
S6W-23959
To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide the estimated capital cost for local authorities to deliver any local authority-led heat network schemes that are currently in development, and how much financial support it is providing to local authorities to help deliver any such developments.
S6W-23960
To ask the Scottish Government what (a) number and (b) proportion of homes it anticipates will need to be supported by heat networks in order to meet targets for decarbonising home heating.
S6W-23961
To ask the Scottish Government how much (a) capital and (b) pre-capital support it has provided to heat network projects to date, and how many properties either have been or are set to be connected to heat networks as a result of any such support.
S6W-23962
To ask the Scottish Government what the estimated capital cost will be of meeting its existing heat network targets, and what proportion of this capital cost it has committed to providing (a) to date and (b) in its Budget for 2024-25.
S6W-23963
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021 and its 2022 Heat networks delivery plan, whether it will provide an update on whether it has set a 2035 target for heat networks.
Current status: Answers expected on 15 January 2024
Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 18/12/2023
S6W-24001
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the potential implications for its policies of the Climate Change Committee’s 2023 Progress Report to Parliament.
Current status: Answer expected on 16 January 2024
Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 19/12/2023
S6W-24017
To ask the Scottish Government when it anticipates that the proposed Land Reform Bill will be introduced to the Scottish Parliament.
Current status: Answer expected on 17 January 2024
Stephanie Callaghan, Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 19/12/2023
S6W-24039
To ask the Scottish Government when it expects to publish its response to the phase 3 consultation on permitted development rights.
Current status: Answer expected on 17 January 2024
Brian Whittle, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 19/12/2023
S6W-24050
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to developing specific training within colleges and universities to develop skills in the delivery of heat networks.
S6W-24052
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to reviewing the effectiveness of current funding allocations for energy efficiency and low-carbon heating courses.
S6W-24053
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to providing compensation to heat pump installer companies to cover lost income while staff participate in training programmes.
S6W-24054
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to developing a regulatory framework with compulsory qualification requirements in low-carbon heating technologies for installers.
S6W-24055
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that low-carbon heating systems and energy efficiency measures offered by companies meet appropriate standards for quality.
S6W-24061
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its consultation on the proposed Heat in Buildings Bill, whether it will provide any examples of lenders offering time-limited interest-free loans to cover the capital costs of energy efficiency measures and the installation of clean heat systems.
S6W-24062
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on when the Scottish House Condition Survey 2022 will be published.
Current status: Answers expected on 17 January 2024
EVENTS
AHSS Lecture – The Scots in London
Date & Time: Thursday 18 January 2024; 7.30-9pm
Location: St Andrews West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP. Also streamed online via Zoom.
Rory Lamb, PhD researcher at the University of Edinburgh, explores the forgotten London townhouses of Scotland’s absentee landlords. Drawn to the West End after the Union of 1707, they enjoyed the lifestyle of the prosperous metropolitan elite, packing their residences with luxury goods and acting as architectural patrons. Rory’s talk discusses the role of these buildings in the formation of British identity among 18th century Scots. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £5 / students £2 /
RICS – World Built Environment Forum Week 2024
Date & Time: Monday 29 January – Thursday 1 February 2024
Location: Online
The World Built Environment Forum’s annual global gathering, WBEF Week, enables participants to engage in critical discussions about the direction of the built and natural environment with the people who are shaping it around the world. Over four days, participants will build a picture of how standards, policy, investment, data and technology are changing the landscape across energy, infrastructure, and the land and building life cycle. To conclude, WBEF Week 2024 will outline a practical approach to mobilising public and investor trust in new and emerging solutions.
TRAINING
Developing My Leadership Programme 2024
Date & Time: 6 online sessions between January and April 2024
Location: Online via Zoom
Applications are open again for the Developing My Leadership Programme, aimed at aspiring and established leaders in the Scottish heritage sector. Delivered by Social Enterprise Academy, the programme offers an invaluable opportunity to connect and share challenges, good practice, and experience with peers. It’s designed to support learners in developing key leadership skills to work productively with those around them and lead in an effective and authentic way. Applications must be received by 16 January 2024.
Find out more and register
C&BS – How to fundraise effectively from trusts and foundations
Date and Time: Tuesday 23 & 30 January 2024; 10am-1pm
Location: Online
In this course Pam Judson will provide expert insight and advice on pursuing funding from trusts and foundations. The two-session course will cover giving trends in Scotland, researching the criteria and guidelines, writing effective applications, developing and maintaining relationships with an exit strategy, and also provide many practical templates and tips.
C&BS – Introduction to being a Board Member (January course)
Date and Time: Tuesday 30 January & 6 February 2024; 4-7pm
Location: Online
Do you have new trustees who have joined your Board recently or have you taken on a trustee role yourself? This course covers everything you need to know to launch your Board career, from trustee duties, roles, meeting management, advocacy and fundraising to strategic planning, finances and much more!
SLCT – Introduction to Maintaining Traditional Buildings
Date & Time: Tuesday 30 January 2024; 10am-3pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, KY11 3EN
The course will outline the maintenance that traditional buildings require, and attendees will gain an understanding of traditional building techniques and the correct materials to use when undertaking repairs. This is also an excellent opportunity to speak to the SLCT’s expert tutors about your project; attendees are welcome to bring along photos and mortar samples for some specific advice.