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Both the membership of the group and its terms of reference will be published when they are finalised.

Scotland’s new Waste Data Strategy will be published on 26 September 2017. This strategy has been written by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) and the Scottish Government, in consultation with the following stakeholders:

• Belmont Trading UK Ltd

• BIFFA

• Chartered Institution of Wastes Management

• East Ayrshire Council

• EcoideaM Ltd

• Falkirk Council

• Jacobs UK Ltd

• Moray Council

• National Health Service – Ayrshire and Arran

• National Health Service – National Services Scotland

• Renfrewshire Council

• Resource Efficient Solutions (A Fife Council company)

• Ricardo Energy and Environment

• Scottish Environmental Services Association

• Stirling Council

• The University of Edinburgh

• University of St Andrews

• Valpak Scotland

• Viridor

• Western Isles Council

• William Tracey Ltd

The Scottish Government has reduced non-domestic rates bills this year by cutting the poundage, limiting the extent of the large business supplement and expanding the Small Business Bonus Scheme - as well as targeting further support in light of the 2017 revaluation.

The Scottish Government has now also responded to the Barclay review of non-domestic rates, committing to a range of measures to support investment, development and growth. The impacts of all changes are considered carefully informed by wide-ranging engagement with industry.

The Scottish Government does not collect this information.

This information is published on the Transport Scotland website at: https://www.transport.gov.scot/public-transport/buses/scottish-green-bus-fund/#45456.

The Scottish Government has met with a wide range of businesses and their representative organisations across Scotland over the last year to discuss
non-domestic rates, but does not hold confirmed attendance details for all engagements.

As detailed in last week’s Programme for Government announcement, in order to lead the way on electric vehicles, we plan to significantly expand our electric charging infrastructure between now and 2022, whether in rural, urban or domestic settings. We will set out detailed plans over the coming months.

The Programme for Government sets a bold new ambition on ultra-low emission vehicles, including electric cars and vans, with a target to phase out the need for petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032.

This ambition is underpinned by our recently published Switched on Scotland Action Plan and builds on the range of incentives we already provide to local authorities, businesses and individuals. The Action Plan was developed through a series of workshops representing over 100 participants from 58 organisations.

In addition, the ambition is informed by the detailed analysis that supported the development of the draft Climate Change Plan. We will consider this in further detail as part of finalising the Climate Change Plan.

We look forward to working with stakeholders across the country as we take forward our plans.

As detailed in last week’s Programme for Government announcement, in order to lead the way on electric vehicles we plan to significantly expand our electric charging infrastructure between now and 2022, in rural, urban and domestic settings. To identify the optimum placement of electric vehicle charging points we will build on the knowledge gained from our experience of installing public charge points since 2012, using the data of current driver use from our network operator, ChargePlace Scotland, and continue to work with key stakeholders such as all local authorities, the Energy Saving Trust and members of the E-cosse stakeholder group to determine suitable future locations.

The Scottish Government uses procurement and climate change policy, law and practice to achieve circular economy outcomes in public contracts and frameworks. ‘Making Things Last – A circular economy strategy for Scotland’ commits us to working with public organisations to identify the products and services where innovation and best practice in public procurement can have the greatest benefit in promoting circular approaches such as leasing, repair and remanufacture, while delivering value for money. Using the national sustainable procurement training framework, selected projects across Scotland are receiving support to embed circular economy outcomes and to test Zero Waste Scotland guidance on ‘Procuring for reuse, repair & remanufacturing’. Frameworks already in place include the national Office Equipment Framework, Scotland Excel’s framework for Outdoor Play Equipment and Artificial Surfaces and their framework for domestic furniture and furnishings.

The sustainable procurement training framework is also being used to develop training that specifically addresses ways to identify and to achieve circular economy outcomes through procurement. Over 700 people have received training on the Scottish Government’s approach to sustainable procurement and a further range of tailored courses are available.

A range of case studies relating to sustainable procurement have already been published, (http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Government/Procurement/casestudies) and more will be developed as this work continues.

Individual financing decisions should be made on the basis of Best Value.