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Official Report: search what was said in Parliament

The Official Report is a written record of public meetings of the Parliament and committees.  

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Dates of parliamentary sessions
  1. Session 1: 12 May 1999 to 31 March 2003
  2. Session 2: 7 May 2003 to 2 April 2007
  3. Session 3: 9 May 2007 to 22 March 2011
  4. Session 4: 11 May 2011 to 23 March 2016
  5. Session 5: 12 May 2016 to 5 May 2021
  6. Current session: 12 May 2021 to 26 April 2025
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Displaying 2643 contributions

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Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee

Climate Change Committee’s Review of Scottish Emissions Targets and Progress Report 2022

Meeting date: 20 December 2022

Mark Ruskell

Good morning; it is good to see you all again. I want to ask about how Governments make decisions that are in line with net zero and targets and lead to the delivery programmes that are needed on the ground. You will be aware of the work of the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government and the Fraser of Allander Institute in producing a report on budget reforms. The report focuses on the practice of how Government makes decisions as well as on a critical net zero test. The three steps that were agreed within that are the introduction of a climate narrative into this year’s budget, a revision to the taxonomy in next year’s budget and the full implementation of a net zero test across Government the year after that.

I want to get your views on that. Is that the right approach, or is something missing? What is your analysis of how Government intends to make decisions going forward?

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee

Climate Change Committee’s Review of Scottish Emissions Targets and Progress Report 2022

Meeting date: 20 December 2022

Mark Ruskell

My question is about whether local heat and energy efficiency strategies are the right approach. I heard Keith Bell’s response about conversion, retrofitting and the numbers that we can get through the current system. Could LHEES provide a step change with, maybe, a move towards more area-based schemes that involve whole communities or streets being retrofitted and invested in? Will that approach provide the right incentive for private sector investment?

It feels as if we are struggling to find the step change here. Some work is happening with LHEES, but does it fill you with hope, or is there still some way to go?

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee

Climate Change Committee’s Review of Scottish Emissions Targets and Progress Report 2022

Meeting date: 20 December 2022

Mark Ruskell

That is the local level. Why is the CCC so resistant to boiler scrappage schemes and scrappage schemes in general? The report really challenges Government, but I wonder why some policy options seem to be off the table. Emily Nurse said earlier that there was some scepticism about scrappage.

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee

Climate Change Committee’s Review of Scottish Emissions Targets and Progress Report 2022

Meeting date: 20 December 2022

Mark Ruskell

Thank you both for those comments.

I will move on to aviation. The Scottish Government has limited powers over aviation, but it does, or will, have some powers over passenger duty and it has powers over planning. How should the Government be tackling aviation right now, particularly in the light of a forthcoming aviation strategy?

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee

Climate Change Committee’s Review of Scottish Emissions Targets and Progress Report 2022

Meeting date: 20 December 2022

Mark Ruskell

Are there any other reflections on the exact actions that the Scottish Government has agreed in relation to budget? What would you expect to see in the years ahead, for example? Other witnesses might want to come in on that.

Meeting of the Parliament

Budget 2023-24

Meeting date: 15 December 2022

Mark Ruskell

Peak-time fares on trains are a huge drain on household budgets. Extortionate prices prevent many from choosing rail over the private car, which damages our climate and drives down passenger numbers at a time when they need to build back up. How will the budget deliver fair fares for people while boosting the climate and our newly nationalised ScotRail?

Meeting of the Commission

Audit Scotland Budget Proposal 2023-24

Meeting date: 14 December 2022

Mark Ruskell

If I were working for your organisation and I saw a private sector body that was paying more, what would encourage me to continue to work for you?

Meeting of the Commission

Audit Scotland Budget Proposal 2023-24

Meeting date: 14 December 2022

Mark Ruskell

Is there a difference between what you pay your staff and what the private sector bodies that are delivering similar work pay their staff? How are you managing that? You have spoken about the negotiation with union colleagues during which 10 per cent was put on the table, and I am interested in the other ways in which you are supporting retention and making employment with you an attractive proposition compared to working for a private body.

Meeting of the Commission

Audit Scotland Budget Proposal 2023-24

Meeting date: 14 December 2022

Mark Ruskell

I understand how ways of working might change but, to put it bluntly, is there a case for looking at smaller, cheaper, different locations outside Edinburgh? I do not know.

Meeting of the Commission

Audit Scotland Budget Proposal 2023-24

Meeting date: 14 December 2022

Mark Ruskell

Quality is key, as well as customer satisfaction and client satisfaction.