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This is an operational matter for NatureScot. I have asked their Chief Executive to write with the relevant information.

This is an operational matter for NatureScot. I have asked their Chief Executive to write with the relevant information.

Questions regarding day-to-day operational matters of Historic Environment Scotland, including information relating to any maintenance and monitoring works, are best answered directly by Historic Environment Scotland.

I have asked Historic Environment Scotland to respond directly to the member with a full reply to his question in writing.

This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court and Tribunals Service (SCTS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCTS who reply in writing within 20 days.

This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court and Tribunals Service (SCTS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCTS who reply in writing within 20 days.

This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court and Tribunals Service (SCTS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCTS who reply in writing within 20 days.

During the period of 2016 - 2022, 4.93% of Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) claims have been subject to an on-farm inspection. During these inspections 2187 business have been found to be in breach of the terms of the scheme rules.

This question relates to operational matters that are the responsibility of the Scottish Court and Tribunals Service (SCTS) corporate body. The question has been passed to the Chief Executive of the SCTS who reply in writing within 20 days.

The detailed information requested is currently being collated and will be provided as soon as it is available. A copy will be placed in the Parliament’s Reference Centre (Bib number 64328).

As the cost of living crisis continues, the emergency Act aims to give important support to tenants, and to provide them with much-needed stability in their housing costs and additional eviction protections. It has gone further than anywhere else in the UK in helping protect tenants across the rental sector.

Since devolution, there has been significant overall growth in the privately-rented sector, through a period of increasing regulation and market intervention, and we consider that healthy markets, responsible landlords and public sector intervention can co-exist.

As last year’s Cross Party Group on Housing report on Rent Control acknowledged, regulated markets can be attractive to institutional investors. We also note that in the publication by the British Property Federation, assessing the impact of the emergency Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022, it is recognised that rent control is not seen as a reason not to invest if part of a stable policy environment.

We take a close interest in the way policy in Scotland interacts with the rest of the UK, noting the Royal Institution Of Chartered Surveyors comments of 8 June 2023 that “interest rate rises are also impacting the rental sector and combined with looming reforms proposed in the [UK] government’s Renters (Reform) Bill, landlords are increasingly deciding to leave the sector and sell up property, causing further constraints to lettings supply.” We also note the intention of the Welsh Government to consider forms of rent regulation.

By its nature, the emergency Cost of Living Act is time-limited and the rent cap and eviction protections cannot be extended beyond March 2024. The temporary rent cap provisions apply only to in-tenancy rent increases, with rent setting for new housing supply continuing to be set by the market.

We will continue to listen to feedback and engage with stakeholders, monitor the data and consider whether the legislation remains proportionate and necessary.