Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government has plans to undertake analysis which will look at the support received by those who have declared the income of a step-parent relative to what they would have received if such an income was not taken into consideration.

The funding of the New Campus Glasgow project is a matter for the Scottish Funding Council and the colleges concerned. I have asked the Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council to write to the Member.

The skills of our medical specialists are world-renowned and we are prepared to offer their expertise if needed. Some of Scotland''s hospitals may be able to receive patients from Gaza who require specialist care and I welcome the willingness of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lothian to respond positively to requests for assistance with medical casualties, if need be. However, the number of casualties and which facilities could be used would be dependent on the clinical priorities of the patients concerned.

Our general approach is to work through Scottish-based Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) which are involved in humanitarian work in Gaza, and have a presence on the ground there. This is necessary to allow clinical assessments and evaluation to be carried out in determining whether patients are suitable for treatment in Scotland, and would benefit from coming here, as opposed to being treated in the region or in a neighbouring country.

We have invited funding bids from Scottish-based organisations to support their humanitarian work in Gaza. Any Scottish-based organisations can apply.

Applications will be assessed and final decisions will be subject to assurances that aid will reach those in greatest need.

This PQ was answered in the Chamber. The answer can be viewed in the Official Report using the following link:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0122-01.htm

It is very regrettable when any household has to live in overcrowded conditions. 4.2% of social tenants live in overcrowded conditions and the legislation provides that they must be given reasonable preference for re-housing. Through their housing need and demand assessments local authorities should identify where there is a shortage of family accommodation, which should then be addressed in their Local Housing Strategies and Strategic Housing Investment Plans. In addition, we are providing £1.5 billion during the current spending review period to increase the supply of affordable housing.

This PQ was answered in the Chamber. The answer can be viewed in the Official Report using the following link:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0108-01.htm

There is no flexibility. Council tax bands are as set out in the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

This is a matter within the operational responsibility of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The fund has advised that it remains committed to providing efficient and simple ways of funding small community projects throughout the UK. From April 2009 HLF will use its revised Young Roots and Your Heritage grant schemes to fund small community heritage grants up to the value of £19 million each year, rather than use the joint lottery distributors'' Awards for All scheme.

This is a matter within the operational responsibility of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The fund has advised that the new arrangements will lead to a number of potential benefits for applicants applying to HLF for small community heritage grants. Under the new arrangements, HLF will be able to offer advice and help to applicants before they apply, there will be shorter and simpler forms and online applications to complete, and increased opportunities for mentors to help the delivery of projects. There will also be a rolling timetable with no deadlines and quicker decisions on applications.