The Official Report is a written record of public meetings of the Parliament and committees.
All Official Reports of meetings in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament.
All Official Reports of public meetings of committees.
Displaying 1026 contributions
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 September 2023
Ben Macpherson
Will there be any public information or communications around that period? I can speak only from experience in my constituency but, unfortunately, it seems that more people feel that it is okay to park on the pavement, so some culture change will be required as part of the implementation process.
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 September 2023
Ben Macpherson
I have asked my question.
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 September 2023
Ben Macpherson
Before I ask my questions on community asset transfers, I point out that the Heart of Newhaven Community has been a tremendous success and is a good example of a community asset transfer in an urban area. Likewise, Bellfield in Ash Regan’s constituency has been a successful project.
I welcome you and your officials, cabinet secretary. I have some questions about land markets. First, I am interested in your thoughts on the findings of the Scottish Land Commission’s recently published “Rural Land Market Insights Report 2023”.
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 September 2023
Ben Macpherson
I have one last question. You touched earlier on the considerations around land value. Do you want to add anything on how a more diverse pattern of land ownership will be realised when the reality is that there are increases in land value? Your further thoughts on that generic point would be helpful.
You also mentioned Granton, in my constituency, as an example of where, working with central Government, local government was able to acquire land and have the necessary flexibility and ownership of the asset in order to deliver public and social housing. Thank you for your answer in the chamber last week on those points. Although a lot of the focus will be on rural Scotland as we consider the land reform bill, land reform in urban Scotland—where there are increasing challenges for many families relating to the demand for and cost of housing—is pertinent. Do you want to comment more widely on the urban considerations?
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 September 2023
Ben Macpherson
I appreciate that responsibility for the NatureScot public-private finance pilot does not lie with you, but do you believe that private investment in ecosystems services, such as carbon sequestration, is necessary? What impact is it having, and could it have, on Scotland’s land market? Is there a risk that two parts of Government could be acting against each other and each other’s stated objectives, with public money for carbon sequestration inflating land prices and, therefore, limiting the opportunity to be bold and radical in diversifying patterns of land ownership?
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 September 2023
Ben Macpherson
There is a pertinent point. To invest in land measures, whether they relate to biodiversity or carbon reduction, the investor does not necessarily need to own the land—the investment can be made in agreement with the landowner. You seem to be considering undertaking a process of land reform in which we diversify who owns land but also advance necessary investments and use private finance to address the shared aspirations on biodiversity and carbon reduction.
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee
Meeting date: 19 September 2023
Ben Macpherson
Good morning. I have a question about prohibiting pavement parking, dropped-kerb parking and double parking. You will be aware of how much of a problem such practices are, particularly in urban environments, including my constituency. I am grateful for your response to me earlier this month, but I would also be grateful if, for the benefit of the Parliament as a whole, you could confirm that the Scottish ministers remain committed to introducing a ban on parking on the pavement, parking in front of dropped kerbs and double parking. When will that ban take effect through the implementation of the relevant provisions of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019?
Education, Children and Young People Committee
Meeting date: 13 September 2023
Ben Macpherson
—has there been an impact on your international work, which I know is significant? There has been a focus on the domestic work. Please be succinct.
Education, Children and Young People Committee
Meeting date: 13 September 2023
Ben Macpherson
Thank you.
On the delivery board, I would be grateful if you could set out what the target operating model for the new qualifications body will be.
Education, Children and Young People Committee
Meeting date: 13 September 2023
Ben Macpherson
I have no further questions, convener, although I saw that Michelle Thomson was looking to come in on this point.