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Scottish Government is aware that North Lanarkshire Council (NLC) instructed consultants SWECO to undertake the Plains STAG (Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance) Transport Options Study on their behalf. Transport Scotland provided advice to the consultants at appropriate stages.

Transport Scotland’s response to the final report noted that the appraisal was well communicated, proportionate and sufficiently detailed for this stage of appraisal.

Through the More Homes Scotland approach we are taking a number of steps to increase housing supply across the country. We have set out a five year commitment to deliver at least 50,000 affordable homes, including 35,000 homes for social rent, backed by more than £3 billion investment.

With our support, these homes will be delivered mainly by local authorities and housing associations, who make their own assessments of need and contract for delivery.

More widely, the Scottish Government is working with industry and others through Homes for Scotland to review the skills position and consider what further measures may be required to support the workforce and new skillsets for the future.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-13033 on 12 December 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.

There are no plans to introduce mandatory accreditation

EPCs are produced using the UK Government National Calculation Methodology (NCM) that conforms to the requirements of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2010/31/EU).

Within the NCM, default U-values for the performance of building elements are provided for use in the calculation methodology where it is impractical to obtain building-specific U-values. These U-values are developed by the UK Government to be representative of typical constructions.

A recent UK Government review of the NCM resulted in changes to default values cited for solid and cavity brick construction. We are currently investigating whether a similar review of U-values for stone external wall construction is merited.

In cases where proposed works to a listed building have been scrutinised by the regulatory authorities and a Listed Building Consent is deemed unnecessary the issue of ‘damage’ should not arise because all proposed works are assessed on the basis of their potential impact on the special architectural or historic character of the building in question. Local planning authorities decide what requires consent and determine any associated applications.

In cases where unauthorised works have been carried out on a listed building the local authority can take enforcement action or seek to prosecute those responsible under the terms of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation) (Scotland) Act 1997 to rectify the damage caused to the historic fabric. Most local authorities have published enforcement guidance and they will seek to investigate any breach if brought to their attention.

In addition Section 137 of Scottish Planning Policy 2014 states how the planning system should promote the care and protection of the designated and non-designated historic environment assets and enable positive change which is informed by a clear understanding of the importance of the heritage assets affected and ensure their future use. Change should be sensitively managed to avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the fabric and setting of the asset, and ensure that its special characteristics are protected, conserved or enhanced.

The information requested is not held centrally. However, Historic Environment Scotland has advised that it estimates that just over 98% of pre-1919 residential buildings are not listed.

It is the responsibility of building owners to ensure that any works to their properties comply with appropriate standards and to employ suitably qualified tradespeople. Impartial and Independent Advice funded by the Scottish Government on energy efficiency retrofit work is available to all property owners through Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282.

The number of young people (aged 16-24) starting a Modern Apprenticeship in construction related industries for 2016-17 was 3,273 up from 3,155 in 2015-16.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-13033 on 12 December 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.

Through the More Homes Scotland approach, Scottish Government is encouraging and supporting a range of interventions to increase the supply of homes within the affordable and private housing sectors and this includes rent to buy models. We currently have a rent to buy pilot scheme with the Highland Small Communities Housing Trust.

The National Housing Trust initiative can also potentially offer tenants the option to purchase their homes. This initiative offers tenants a private residential tenancy (or short assured tenancy) product. The option to buy the home is explored with tenants during their tenancy.

We are continually considering new innovative delivery options to increase the supply of new homes and Rent to Buy models have been discussed with stakeholders and partners as part of on-going engagement.