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Credit unions are encouraged to access the Scottish Government’s third sector organisational development and support programmes. We are working with the credit union representative bodies to ensure their members across the country are aware of these programmes.

Support includes the Enterprise Ready Fund which opened in September 2013 and which will distribute £6 million during 2013-15 to help maintain, develop and grow Scotland’s enterprising third sector. The Just Enterprise programme works alongside the Enterprise Ready Fund. It is a tailored service and provides business development support and training for third sector organisations across Scotland and is also available to credit unions.

In addition through the Bankruptcy and Debt Advice (Scotland) Bill we are extending a period of payment of debtor contribution order from three to four years, a measure welcomed by credit unions.

The Scottish Government can confirm that an updated version of the carbon calculator for assessing the carbon impact of wind farms constructed on peatlands was released on the 16 January 2014 on the Scottish Government website.

The average, minimum and maximum carbon payback for wind farms for which developers have used the Scottish Government’s carbon calculator and that have been consented by Scottish Ministers are:

The Scottish Government do not consider that it is appropriate to set a threshold for the maximum acceptable carbon payback period of a wind farm because each development must be considered on its own merits, and carbon payback is only one consideration among many that Scottish Ministers must consider in weighing up the pros and cons a of a proposed development.

The carbon impact and associated carbon payback period of a wind farm are only one important consideration among many that Scottish Ministers must consider and balance before coming to a decision on a wind farm application. Ministers have therefore never refused an application expressly on the basis of its carbon impact or because the carbon payback period was too long.

There are no figures available that quantify wind farms located or consented on areas specifically of deep peat. However, there are an estimated 17 wind farm sites consented by Scottish Ministers that are located on areas where more than 60% of the soil on site is made up of peat. Of the 17 wind farms, 5 are already constructed, 3 are under construction and 9 are consented.

Carbon assessments are undertaken and checked by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency in all areas where peat is identified.

Scottish Planning Policy (which is due to be finalised in June 2014) and online renewables planning advice provides guidance for planning authorities assessing the carbon impact of wind farms located on peatlands and other carbon rich soils. This cross-refers to the Scottish Government Energy Directorate’s website which contains other sources of guidance on wind farms and carbon, and the use of the carbon calculator.

There have been no discussions between the UK Government and the Scottish Government on this matter. The Scottish Government continues to work with all the banks, including RBS, to improve the supply of affordable finance for viable businesses.

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 places a duty on local authorities to introduce a discount scheme for council tax, offering a minimum in-year reduction of £50 where householders undertake efficiency improvements to their home. Local authorities do not derive an income from the operation of the scheme.

The Scottish Government is actively taking forward all the commitments detailed in its banking strategy, Sustainable, Responsible Banking: a strategy for Scotland. This includes activity undertaken by the Scottish Government aimed at helping to increase choice for consumers in the kind of organisations they choose to provide their banking services. Further information on progress against these commitments will be made available in due course.