Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government will evaluate the approach taken in developing the Grangemouth Just Transition Plan and derive lessons learned when planning engagements with Mossmorran stakeholders. We will apply a place-based approach that will ensure that the views of all stakeholders are considered, working to reach collective agreement on the plan’s long-term vision and actions.

The Mossmorran Just Transition Plan proposal is at very early stages of consideration and will be initiated fully following delivery of the Grangemouth Plan. The Scottish Government has held early discussions with both operators at the Mossmorran complex regarding the proposal. In line with the principles of co-design, it is our intention to engage extensively with all stakeholders including industry, the workforce, the local authority, UK Government, MSPs and the wider community.

The Scottish Government has committed to developing a Just Transition Plan for the Mossmorran industrial complex following delivery of the Grangemouth Just Transition Plan. Work will commence in early 2025. This will allow for a thorough evaluation of the approach taken at Grangemouth to maximise learning and outputs. The Scottish Government intends to publish the Just Transition Plan for Mossmorran by the end of the parliament.

The Scottish Government intends to establish a board to oversee and co-design the development of the Just Transition Plan for Mossmorran and will take cognisance of any learnings from the Grangemouth Future Industry Board.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-27341 on 15 May 2024. 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 Just Transition Plan for Mossmorran is at very early stages of proposal, a comprehensive stakeholder engagement exercise will form a critical component of the work plan. The Scottish Government has had early engagement regarding the proposal with business operators. In line with the principles of co-design, it is our intention to engage extensively with all stakeholders including industry, the workforce, the local authority, UK Government, MSPs and the wider community. We will apply a place-based approach that will ensure that the views of all stakeholders are considered, working to reach collective agreement on the plan’s long-term vision and actions.

As a result of the challenging capital funding position Scottish Ministers have had to make difficult decisions and, unless there is a significant reversal of the UK Government's cuts to capital allocations, no new project funding for the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund and low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Programme will be allocated for 2024-25.

We will continue to support place-based community-led regeneration in our most disadvantaged communities through the Place based Investment Programme with local authorities receiving a share of this funding in line with the allocation formula agreed with COSLA. Confirmation on the allocation for 2024-25 will be provided in due course. Fife Council also remain eligible for the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund and have an indicative allocation of £1.11m in 2024-25.

Both the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund and the low carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme targeted support toward disadvantaged and fragile rural communities. They have been delivered on a competitive basis, open to all local authorities and Clyde Gateway URC and it is for councils and Clyde Gateway to bring forward proposals that responded to the purpose of the funds.

In addition to access to these funds, Fife Council also receive a share of capital funding from the Place Based Investment Programme through the direct allocation to local authorities. Between 2021-22 to 2023-24 Fife Council have been allocated a total of £7.826 million. Fife Council are also one of five eligible councils able to access the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund.

The new multi-agency group on commercial sexual exploitation held its first meeting on 27 March 2024. The membership of the Group includes representatives from the third and public sector. Details about the group can be accessed here: https://www.gov.scot/groups/commercial-sexual-exploitation/ . It is anticipated that part of the remit of the group will be to help inform the implementation and delivery of our strategic approach to challenging and deterring men’s demand for prostitution.

The Scottish Government will introduce legislation to implement the recommendations of the Working Group on Misogyny and the Criminal Law later this year, informed by responses to last year's consultation on draft legislative provisions to give effect to those recommendations.