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Scottish Government budget 2022/23

Letter to the Convener from the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, on 9 December 2021

Dear Finlay,

Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee - 2022-23 Scottish Budget

I refer to the letter dated 4 November 2021 setting out the Committee’s approach to budget scrutiny over Session 6 and my interim response to the letter dated 3 December 2021.

In response to the questions raised by Committee, I have reiterated below the original response to the first two queries raised and provided a further, more detailed response, to the third point raised on the funding commitment:

• The expected publication date for the National Islands Plan annual report 2021;

The expected date for publication of the National Islands Plan annual report 2021 is 23 March 2022.

• The expected publication date for the report on the operation of the act, required under s28 of the 2018 Act;

The report on the operation of the Act will be published no later than 6 July 2022.

• A full breakdown of the £30m funding commitment proposed in the Programme for Government to “support delivery of the National Islands Plan and a fair, integrated, green and inclusive recovery”.

As you are aware, budgets are allocated annually and it would not be appropriate to forecast future expenditure under the £30 million islands fund in future years outwith the agreed budget processes. However, it is worth noting that £30 million will be allocated over five years.

During the 2021/22 financial year, we delivered £9.5 million of the £30 million capital funding through three key strands; the Islands Infrastructure Fund, the Island Communities Fund and the Healthy Islands Fund.

Whilst still subject to Ministerial approval, we are carefully considering proposals for award and delivery for 2022/23 and I would be happy to update you once this process is complete. However, the allocation for the forthcoming year is £4 million, leaving just over half of the remaining £30 million to be allocated in future years.

The draft criteria and objectives of the Islands Programme for 2022/23 are currently being considered and will be informed by guidance and monitoring by the Islands Programme Board.

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I trust the above answers the Committee queries, however, should you require any further information please let me know.

Yours sincerely,

Mairi Gougeon