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Restricting high value contracts to participation by suppliers based on their location would not be in keeping with the requirements of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. However our public procurement policy and legislation has driven high levels of local business participation as well as investment in jobs, skills and subcontracting with Scottish SMEs.

The majority of chargers on the publicly funded ChargePlace Scotland network are owned by local authorities who are responsible for procurement of their charging infrastructure. Scottish ministers do not hold information on these contracts. These contracts are however covered by public procurement policy and legislation, this includes a requirement to consider how procurement processes can facilitate the involvement of SMEs, third sector bodies and supported business and how public procurement can be used to promote innovation.

There are no specific provisions in the Scottish Government Offers of Grant that require contracts to be awarded to one cohort of companies over another.

Grantees in the private sector or members of the public select a local installer from the Energy Saving Trust’s list of approved installers ( Domestic charge point funding - Energy Saving Trust ). There is no cost for a business, including Scottish SMEs, to register to be added to this list, should they be interested in doing so.

Installation of an electric vehicle charge point involves various aspects, including works related to electrical connections, civils and supply and installation of charging units. This range of work provides opportunities for local businesses, including SMEs, to benefit from investment in development of the electric vehicle charge point network.

The Scottish Government launched a consultation for a refreshed Onshore Wind Policy Statement on 28th October 2021 which sets out our ambition for an additional 8-12 gigawatts of installed capacity by 2030. The policy statement also references the potential for refurbishment and recycling of wind turbines, supporting the recent Zero Waste Scotland report 'The Future of Onshore Wind Decommissioning in Scotland'. The Scottish Government are fully supportive of this work and its alignment with our zero waste policies.

The Scottish Government is already working with the UK Government across a number of policies to support delivery of low-carbon alternatives to gas boilers. This includes engagement in relation to the UK Government’s proposed market-based mechanism for low carbon heat. Further details on our work with the UK Government are set out in chapter 10 of our Heat in Buildings Strategy.

Scottish Government Heat in Buildings Strategy – https://www.gov.scot/publications/heat-buildings-strategy-achieving-net-zero-emissions-scotlands-buildings/

The Scottish Government has committed to invest at least £1.8 billion over the course of this parliament to support energy efficiency and zero emissions heat. Final spending to support households replacing gas boilers with heat pumps over this period will depend on various factors, including the balance of demand between households currently using gas boilers or other heating systems, and support for other technologies such as heat networks.

‘A Fairer Scotland for Disabled People: Employment Action Plan’ was published in December 2018, and includes commitments up to and including 2021-22.

We are currently developing a refresh of this action plan, alongside key stakeholders including disabled peoples organisations, which will be published in Spring 2022.

People can show their COVID-19 vaccine status either via:

1. NHS Scotland COVID Status App via Google Play or the App Store;

2. Download a PDF of the vaccination status record via NHS Inform website; or

3. Request a paper copy of the vaccination status record by calling the Freephone COVID Status Helpline on 0800 196 8565.

People should allow plenty of time to access their certificate; and if using paper certificate allow at least 14 days for any letter to arrive.

If the helpline is busy then they may wish to call back at later.

Transport Scotland and CMAL fully understand the importance and significance of engaging with the relevant trade unions on ferry services and future vessel contracts. In relation to the Islay vessels project regular meetings were held with unions by Transport Scotland, CMAL and CalMac, from the outset of the project in January 2019. Similarly, these bodies have provided unions with progress updates on the development on the new Islay vessels, listening and taking action on their views when appropriate. A similar approach will be taken with all future projects.

The Scottish Government has today published its Draft Heat Networks Delivery Plan for consultation. The Consultation will run until 15 December and can be accessed at https://consult.gov.scot/energy-and-climate-change-directorate/heat-networks-delivery-plan

This consultation document fulfils the requirement of the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021 to consult with relevant persons in preparing the heat networks delivery plan (Part 1). It outlines in draft how the provisions of the 2021 Act, and any other supporting policies, will contribute to increasing the use of heat networks in Scotland. It sets out the proposed approach that the Scottish Ministers intend to take to increase the use of heat networks in Scotland and how the statutory targets will be met. In addition, it outlines how progress will be measured and the expected contribution that heat networks will make toward meeting the emission reduction targets.

Over this parliamentary term we are investing at least £1.8 billion in heat and energy efficiency in buildings, including investing £400 million to support the development of large-scale heat infrastructure, such as heat networks.

The consultation document also seeks views on policy proposals relating to aspects of the emerging regulatory regime.

I have also written to the Conveners of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee and Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee. The Government looks forward to engaging with interested parties on this issue.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-04157 on 15 November 2021. 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
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