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In the public consultation on a new draft Fuel Poverty Strategy we propose and invite views on an overall target for the eradication of fuel poverty by 2040. The consultation also puts forward a proposed set of non-statutory sub-targets to accompany this ambition. Responses to the consultation will inform the Warm Homes Bill, which we will introduce in 2018 and which is intended to set a new statutory fuel poverty target.

The consultation also proposes an independent review of progress against the target by 2031, which will recommend any further necessary action to meet the 2040 eradication target and associated sub-targets.

On 9 November this year we launched a consultation on developing a new fuel poverty strategy, including proposals for a revised definition of fuel poverty and a new statutory target. Responses to the consultation will inform the Warm Homes Bill that we will introduce to Parliament in 2018

We have designated energy efficiency as a national infrastructure priority, the cornerstone of which will be Scotland's Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP), which will support delivery of our ambitions in this area. We are already delivering on our 2016 Programme for Government commitment to make half a billion pounds available over 4 years through SEEP and, by the end of 2021, we will have allocated over £1 billion pounds since 2009 on tackling fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency.

Next year we will publish a SEEP Route Map that will set out our long-term aims for the programme and further detail on how these will be achieved.

As set out in the Programme for Government, we will take forward legislation within this Parliament where this is needed to deliver the aims of Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme. We will publish a Route Map for the programme next year setting out our long-term ambitions for the programme and further detail on how this will be achieved, including how this should be delivered and overseen. In addition, we are currently seeking views on the establishment of a national delivery mechanism to support local authorities in delivering Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies and district heating, which could support delivery and governance of SEEP more widely. (https://consult.gov.scot/energy-and-climate-change-directorate/lhees-and-dhr2/)

The Scottish Government is committed to removing poor energy performance as a driver of fuel poverty. We are currently seeking views on sub-targets that underpin our ambition to eradicate fuel poverty, including a target of ensuring all homes reach a minimum energy performance rating by 2040. The Fuel Poverty Strategy Consultation is open until 1 February 2018 and can be accessed via: https://consult.gov.scot/better-homes-division/fuel-poverty/. Responses to this consultation will inform the development a Warm Homes Bill to be laid in Parliament in June 2018 and will feed into the development of a Route Map for Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme, which we will publish next year, setting out our long-term ambitions for the programme and further detail on how this will be achieved.

Following detailed consideration, it is our intention that the Scottish Government will operate the Victim Surcharge Fund (VSF).

Under this model, Victim Support Organisations (VSOs) will be invited to apply to the Scottish Government for an award from the VSF, which they can then use to provide immediate and practical support to victims and their relatives in the aftermath of crime.

Scottish Ministers operating the VSF directly will ensure that VSOs can continue to focus on supporting victims, rather than diverting resources and expertise to the operation and management of the Fund.

Establishment of the Victim Surcharge Fund (VSF) has taken longer than originally anticipated as we’ve undertaken detailed consideration and consultation with partners on the most effective mechanisms to operate and manage the VSF.

Our intention is to lay the subordinate legislation required to establish the VSF, in Parliament in early 2018. This will set out further details of how the fund will operate, including the date it will become operational.

Plans to establish the Victim Surcharge Fund (VSF) are progressing. Our intention is to lay the subordinate legislation required to establish the VSF in Parliament in early 2018.

The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC) investigate alleged miscarriages of justice where an application is made by or on behalf of the person who claims to have suffered a miscarriage of justice. It is not possible for a third party with no connection to the alleged victim of a miscarriage of justice to refer a case to them for investigation.

Information on the number of cases received by the SCCRC and the number of cases referred to the High Court of Justiciary since 1 April 2014 is contained in the table below. It should be noted that cases referred to the High Court of Justiciary in one year may have been received by the SCCRC in a previous year.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-12547 on 22 November 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx