Seòmar agus comataidhean

I am sorry to interrupt, but I just want to get some clarity. Am I right in saying, then, that the working assumption is that the budget will be the same as last year’s for the individual programmes that you have just spoken about—

—unless there is a decision post budget to change the allocation of different schemes?

I realise that this is an innovative policy space and that, in some ways, the Parliament is taking a lead on it, but I am also aware that time is running out. Last year was the hottest year on record globally, so we need to make decisions now that do not lock in emissions. To wait another year for more transparency is perhaps not meeting the nature of the emergency, but I recognise the work that has been done on all sides, including by clerks of the committee, the Scottish Parliament information centre and others.

That is it for me just now, convener. I will come back in on another question later.

Therefore, in relation to this year’s budget, there are things in the route map that are specifically about action in 2025-26. I come back to my original question about whether there is sufficient resource to deliver on all the listed projects that are time sensitive for this year.

I would like more information on how the funds are to be used, particularly in relation to supporting knowledge and action on the ground. Members will be aware that the fines resulting from the establishment of low-emission zones in Scotland can be spent on air quality management objectives in local authorities, so there is already a stream of funding there.

The Government is working on its refreshed air quality plan, cleaner air for Scotland 3. There is growing interest in particular pollutants, such as those resulting from wood-burning stoves in urban areas, and new challenges are emerging all the time. There are increased demands from medical academics and professionals for air quality to be monitored, particularly around schools, because children are particularly vulnerable to developmental issues in relation to air quality.

I would like more information on how the funds will be used and what the Government’s priorities are, particularly given that CAFS3 is coming through, and given the other funds that are available and the new and emerging challenges in air quality that the committee has been party to and that have been discussed in Parliament recently.

Okay.

How do these rules align with or differ from the European Union ETS? Are there similar mechanisms around free allocations and rules within the EU ETS?

Indeed.

The cabinet secretary mentioned the money for heat decarbonisation. She described what is in the level 4 budget figure, which is quite a big sum of around £360 million. However, the scope of the programmes that will sit underneath that is not very clear. I am not clear to what extent the £360 million meets the Government’s existing commitment on heat decarbonisation that it made several years ago. I am also not clear whether there is money underneath that budget line to develop supply chains, working with the industry.

Either now or after the evidence session, I am looking for a lot more detail as to what lies under that pretty chunky sum of money, whether we are on track to making homes warmer and cheaper to heat, and whether we are realising the amazing opportunities for people to come into the industry.

I have quite a few questions, but I will keep them short and sweet.

But you are not able to set that out at this point.