Chamber and committees

Powers to instigate compulsory purchase are available to a wide range of bodies, including government departments, most government agencies and local authorities. In some cases these require to be confirmed by the Scottish ministers. Ministers will confirm an order if they are satisfied that it has been properly made and fits within the statutory powers used; that no other issues, such as planning considerations, prevent the local authority from achieving the purpose for which the order is made, and that the public benefit of the purchase outweighs the loss to the individual.

Although there is no overall statutory timetable for the consideration of a compulsory purchase order, various time periods do apply to distinct parts of the process. The length of the process depends on a number of factors which may include the nature of the development intended, the amount and nature of objections and whether a public local inquiry is necessary. The interval between any resolution to make a compulsory order and the Scottish ministers’ decision on that order should be kept to an absolute minimum.

If neighbours are concerned about a property which is in disrepair, they should approach the local authority to discuss what action can be taken. There may be other options to be considered before moving to compulsory purchase.

UK and Scottish ministers announced on 18 January 2005 a financial settlement of approximately £325 million to support the devolution of new powers in relation to railways to Scotland. Around £302 million of this financial settlement will fund Network Rail’s Operation, Maintenance and Renewal activities in Scotland.

The calculation of Scotland’s share of GB rail network funding is based on a package of measures. One element is the Scottish share of the GB Regulatory Asset Base. There are a number of allocation methodologies which could be employed. The Office of Rail Regulation will make the final determination by the end of 2005.Based on that determination, the Scottish Executive will receive funding precisely sufficient to support the rail network in Scotland.

The earlier question (S2W-9715) related to first out-patient neurology appointments, which are handled at a different clinic by different clinical staff. Typically, patients would be referred to neurology clinics for investigation of disorders of the nervous system; patients would be referred to surgical neurology/neurosurgery for surgical intervention in relation to, for example, entrapped nerves.

If a patient was assessed by the referring clinician as requiring attention quickly, their referral to the relevant clinic would be marked “urgent” rather than “routine”. Waiting times for urgent referrals are much shorter.

We expect boards to plan and deliver services that are safe, sustainable and affordable.

A review of community hospitals is currently underway. The purpose of the review is to address the Partnership Agreement commitment to develop the important role of community hospitals, and to develop a strategy for sustaining small, rural and community hospitals where they are safe and effective, including the provision of minor surgery, and to act as a resource to GPs.

This will inform the work which Professor David Kerr and his Advisory Group are currently undertaking on the development of a National Framework for Service Change for NHS Scotland. Their report is expected in late spring 2005, and will contain a number of recommendations which will be of relevance.

Table 1 – Social Rented Sector, New Build Completions:

1979 to 2003

Source: Scottish Executive Housing Statistics.

Data includes local authorities and Housing associations.

Data prior to 1991 includes other government departments.

Data prior to 1993 includes Scottish Homes.

Data prior to 1996 includes New Towns.

Table 2 - Social Rented Sector New Build Completions by Local Authority:

1996 To 2003

Source: Scottish Executive Housing Statistics.

Data includes local authorities and housing associations.