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National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) was adopted on 13 February 2023. Our NPF4 Delivery Programme, published November 2022, provides an overview of actions to be taken to support delivery, including the preparation of a number guidance documents throughout 2023 and beyond. NatureScot’s Developing With Nature guidance, to support policy 3c, has already been published (13 February 2023). Guidance on Local Development Planning and a draft consultation on Local Living and 20 Minute Neighbourhoods will be published in the spring. We will provide an update on the production of other guidance documents when we publish our second iteration of the Delivery Plan in the summer.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-13065 on 20 December 2022, 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 .

The Joint Working Group on Sources of Local Government Funding and Council Tax Reform is next scheduled to meet next on 22 March 2023.

Our National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) Delivery Programme, published November 2022, stated that we would commence establishment and agree membership of the Planning, Infrastructure and Place Advisory Group following adoption of NPF4. NPF4 was adopted on 13 February 2023. We are on target to meet our commitment to hold the first meeting of the group, agree Terms of Reference and discuss an outline work programme within 3 months of adoption of NPF4. We will update stakeholders on the work of the group on our website www.transformingplanning.scot .

The Scottish Government is supporting 29 Health and Social Care partnerships in their national media campaign of actively raising awareness of the importance of taking out a power of attorney with their local communities.

We will consider the recommendations In the Scottish Mental Health Law Review carefully and decide how we can further promote and highlight the need for every adult in Scotland to consider appointing an attorney whilst they have capacity to do so.

The Scottish Government encourages everyone to arrange power of attorney so that their needs and wishes can be met in the unfortunate event that they cannot make decisions for themselves.

Currently financial help is available, through legal aid for those who qualify, to assist people who might not be able to afford the cost of a solicitor to draw up a power of attorney. A fee exemption is also available for registering the power of attorney with the Office of the Public Guardian for people who qualify.

The Scottish Mental Health Law Review published its final report on 30 September 2022 and set out over 200 proposals for reform. The report recommendations are complex and wide-ranging, and cross-government work is underway to consider them and assess their implications. The Scottish Government intends to set out its initial response to the Review report, including priority actions that will be taken forward, by summer 2023.

The Scottish Government encourages everyone to arrange power of attorney so that their needs and wishes can be met in the unfortunate event that they cannot make decisions for themselves.

The Scottish Mental Health Law Review published its final report on 30 September 2022 and set out over 200 proposals for reform. The report recommendations are complex and wide-ranging, and cross-government work is underway to consider them and assess their implications. The Scottish Government intends to set out its initial response to the Review report, including priority actions that will be taken forward, by summer 2023.

The responsibilities of Scottish Ministers and the Water Industry Commission for Scotland are set out in the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002, as amended. The Principles of Charging, available at https://www.gov.scot/publications/principles-of-charging-2021-2027/ , specify how Scottish Water is to charge for its services, together with the discounts, exemptions and reductions which must be applied.

Scottish Government officials met with representatives from Scottish Power on 10 January 2023 to discuss the publication of the draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan. Officials also met with Scottish Power on 15 February 2023 to discuss the use of diesel generators at Arecleoch and Glen App wind farms.

SEPA has not conducted any monitoring or investigations at Arecleoch or Glen App wind farms within the last 12 months.

Scottish Power Renewables have advised the Scottish Government that all spills on the sites have been of a minor nature and therefore have not required a notification to be sent to SEPA.

On 11 January 2023 I visited Aberdeen to attend the opening of the National Subsea centre and for a media round table to discuss the launch of the draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan.

On 9 February 2023 the Minister for Just Transition, Employability and Skills visited Opportunity North East and Net Zero Technology Centre to hear updates on projects funded via the Just Transition Fund. The Minister also met with Aberdeen City Council Co-Leaders and Chief Executive to discuss Just Transition in the region.