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I have lead responsibility for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

The Scottish Government does not hold information on specific litter or flytipping incidents, which are reported to local authorities or SEPA.

Let me assure you that this scheme is a priority for us. It is a key recommendation in STPR2, it is included in the Programme for Government 2023 to 2024 as well as the First Minister’s Policy Prospectus, highlighting our commitment to a solution to the challenges at the Rest and Be Thankful. Also, at the travelling cabinet meeting in Inveraray on 2 nd October this year, the First Minister gave a firm commitment to the preferred route option for the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful and the funding needed to deliver it.

The next step for the project, which is the detailed design and assessment of the preferred debris flow shelter option announced in June, is progressing at pace. This step should conclude by the end of 2024 with the publication of draft Orders for comment. Progress thereafter will depend on the level and nature of any representations, including objections, to the published draft Orders.

As with all our infrastructure projects, construction of the long term solution can only commence if it is approved under the relevant statutory authorisation process and thereafter a timetable for construction can be determined.

At the same time, improvements to the existing Old Military Road (OMR) through the Glen Croe corridor are being made to make it a more resilient diversion route until the long term solution is in place. A detailed programme for the proposed improvements is being developed, but it is expected that these works will be carried out on a phased basis starting later this year.

The Scottish Government’s universal Baby Box programme, the only one in the UK, opened for registration on 15 June 2017. Nationwide delivery of Baby Boxes began on 15 August 2017 for all babies born and resident in Scotland.

We commenced issue of reusable nappy vouchers with a QR code at the start of September, giving parents the option to register for the reusable nappy kits by QR code or by post.

We are committed to ensuring every baby born in Scotland should get the best start in life by ensuring that every family with a new-born has access to essential items needed in the first six months of a child’s life.

Audit Scotland conduct annual audits of the financial reports of local authorities in Scotland. In addition, Best Value audits ensure that a local authority is delivering its duty of best value and operating in a prudent and sustainable manner. The audit and assurance and best value frameworks are overseen by the Accounts Commission and any risk of bankruptcy should be identified at an early stage.

The Scottish Government also captures and scrutinises local authority financial data and would identify any financial concerns through this process.

We have had no specific discussions of bankruptcy with local authorities and no local authorities have indicated concerns of potential bankruptcy.

We recognise the challenging environment local authorities face and that is why we are committed to a New Deal with Local Government in order to ensure the sustainability of local services.

Officials will next meet with representatives from Disability Equality Scotland on 1 November 2023.

We meet regularly with Disability Equality Scotland as part of the development of the Immediate Priorities Plan and will continue to engage with representatives as the longer-term Disability Equality Strategy is developed and implemented.

Any indications of concern would be raised with the local authority. The Scottish Ministers would consider how best to support the local authority including and may seek assurance that action would be taken to address concerns.

In a case of serious financial failure, such as bankruptcy, the Scottish Ministers may make use of legislative powers to ensure appropriate steps are taken to remedy the situation.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-12962 on 22 December 2022. The Scottish Government does not hold this level of service detail for Rape Crisis Centres. Rape Crisis Centres are independent charitable organisations which hold their own information on their waiting lists. It is for individual local centres, or Rape Crisis Scotland as the umbrella organisation, to provide this information.

All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

As outlined in our draft route map to 20% car km reduction, the scale of the challenge means that we need to take forward a broad combination of interventions, including infrastructure, incentives and regulatory actions. However, we are committed to a Just Transition, and therefore agree with the Commission that our approach must take into account the needs of those who may be less able to reduce their car use, such as carers and those living with a disability, or in rural locations.

We are taking an evidence-based approach to what might work to achieve change, including learning from what others are doing across the UK and in other countries. We have commissioned research on equitable options for car demand management. Using the findings of this and other research, we will work with local authorities and regional partners to support equitable measures that will encourage active travel and use of public transport, for a fairer and greener transport system.

However, we do not have all the levers we need, and are limited by UK Government inaction. The most direct levers on the cost of buying or running a petrol or diesel car – fuel duty and vehicle excise duty – are reserved to the UK Government, and reforms to transport taxes will be crucial in meeting net zero targets. We will continue to call on the UK Government to urgently set out options to replace existing motoring taxes, with meaningful consultation and agreement with the devolved nations.