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The internal review is focused on the procedures and policies set out in the Chief Executive Framework section of the Public Sector Pay Policy Technical Guide for public bodies and government officials. The report is being finalised and Ministers have still to consider the recommendations, including any publication arrangements. Any agreed recommendations will be included in a renewed Chief Executive Framework.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s Mixed Tenure Improvement Scheme (MTIS) is operated under the Area Based Schemes which are designed, managed and delivered solely by Scottish local authorities or their managing agents. Hence any complaints about the MTIS should be directed to the council for resolution. The City of Edinburgh Council has a dispute resolution process for dealing with complaints which was used in the council’s first MTIS project undertaken in Westerhailes.

In Scotland, responsibility for all traffic management on local roads lies with local authorities. Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, local authorities have a general duty to secure the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of traffic.

The Local Authorities' Traffic Orders (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1999 set out the process that a local authority should follow when they are promoting Traffic Regulation Orders including the consideration of associated objections and when to refer for a Public Local Inquiry. The City of Edinburgh Council has referred a Redetermination Order to Scottish Ministers which has outstanding objections and is currently under consideration.

Local authorities are independent corporate bodies and as long as they act lawfully and follow the relevant legislation, it is a matter for them to arrange their day-to-day business.

Ultimately, it is for locally elected representatives to make local decisions on how best to deliver services to their local communities.

Retrofit schemes that are funded by the Scottish Government are assessed for value for money and the benefits to owners and the community as a whole. Scottish Government officials meet regularly with councils to monitor progress.

Eligible owner/occupiers and eligible landlords can receive a minimum of £11,050 and a maximum of £16,900 as grant-in-kind funding as part of the Scottish Government’s Area Based Schemes allocation to the City of Edinburgh Council. Owners’ contributions to top up these grant levels are sometimes required. The council is working with Home Energy Scotland and the Energy Saving Trust to ensure that, where possible, owners are offered access to interest-free loans for these contributions. The council also offers payment instalment plans which are available to all participating property owners. The council is constantly reviewing its financial support for its Mixed Tenure Improvement Scheme.

The former Deputy First Minister undertook a visit in December 2022 and the Minister for Housing visited the MTIS project in July 2023 in Westerhailes to understand the scope of the works being undertaken. The former Deputy First Minister also met with a homeowner to discuss the impact that the project had on their life. Scottish Government officials meet City of Edinburgh Council regularly to discuss progress with the MTIS and any issues arising. The Scottish Government has not met with Shelter Scotland or Living Rent in regards to the MTIS project in either Westerhailes or Lochend and Restalrig.

As set out in my previous reply to S6W-27492 we have now reached a point where there is a need for a transition to a public charging network that will be largely financed and delivered through the private sector. The £30 million EV infrastructure fund will support local authorities across Scotland attract private investment to install public charging infrastructure in locations best suited to serve the local community’s needs. Residents and organisations should contact their own Local Authorities to discuss potential charging infrastructure opportunities in their own local area.

These are unprecedented times with significant pressure on financial resources and difficult decisions had to be taken when setting the 2024-25 Scottish Budget. Given these constraints, our consumer-focussed incentives are evolving to support individuals who live in rural and island communities, residents in flats and factored developments that do not have access to dedicated off street parking, and community transport organisations. This financial support will enable recipients to purchase and install charge points for private use, complementing Scotland’s public EV charging network. Those who wish to register their interest should contact Energy Saving Trust for further details.

City of Edinburgh Council received £5.3m in 2023-2024 of Area Based Scheme funding from the Scottish Government. Private homeowners are also able to access interest-free loans from Home Energy Scotland and should contact Home Energy Scotland either by calling 0808 808 2282 or by emailing Contact Home Energy Scotland .

We are not actively considering the establishment of a non-departmental public body and there are no plans to consider this prior to publishing the Programme for Government. The Minister for Housing made a statement to Parliament on 20 June setting out the actions being taken to address the Housing Emergency and this can be accessed at:

https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/meeting-of-parliament-20-06-2024?meeting=15946&iob=136142

The Investing in Planning consultation closed on 31 May 2024. We will publish the responses received, our analysis of them, and the steps we intend to take to improve the capacity of the planning system by September.