Chamber and committees

Levels set out in our new Strategic Framework ( https://www.gov.scot/publications/covid-19-scotlands-strategic-framework/ ), are likely to be necessary until we are in a position to move into Phase 4 of our route map. To do this the virus must effectively have ceased to be a significant issue in Scotland. That might be because, for example, an effective vaccine had been developed and used on sufficient scale in Scotland and/or we have an effective treatment available across Scotland that essentially removed the health risk from the virus and/or transmission is so low that we are confident that the virus can be controlled without the restrictions of Phase 3.

Scotland’s Strategic Framework sets out an approach to applying restrictions only where necessary, and removing them as soon as they have achieved their effect. Ministers have set out the framework with an open mind, and committed to engaging with Parliament, Local Government and others on its implementation.

The Scottish Government has consulted with relevant stakeholder organisations, including sectors such as hospitality, that are subject to specific measures, both in advance of the publication and during the development of supporting guidance. This included direct engagement with representative organisations, from both Scottish Government officials and Ministers.

We also engaged with local authorities through both COSLA and Society Of Local Authority Chief Executives in advance of the publication of the strategy. This included correspondence from the Scottish Government’s Director General Constitution and External Affairs with the Chief Executive of COSLA on 26 October that sought her support in engaging local government leaders on reaching decisions on initial levels for local authority areas; understanding how these levels will affect areas, and identifying the sectors, areas and issues where a partnership approach with the Scottish Government, Local Authorities, Health Boards and others can be most effective; as well as other comments.

To ensure proper parliamentary scrutiny, the final framework was also subject to the views of the Scottish Parliament. We engaged with all political parties on the detail of the framework, and put this to a debate and vote in Parliament on 27 October.

This illustrates our clear commitment to engage on the nature and application of this Framework, including full Parliamentary scrutiny of any future amendments to the Framework. However, it is ultimately for Scottish Ministers to make decisions to apply or amend the Framework, including allocation of levels, in line with their statutory powers to protect public health.

The EHRC Scotland is part of EHRC which is an independent UK-wide body, not operated or funded by the Scottish Government and we do not hold the information requested.

The EHRC is an independent UK-wide body, not operated or funded by the Scottish Government and we do not hold the information requested.

We know that the pandemic has had, and will continue to have, a substantial impact on the mental health of the population for a long period of time. That is why on 8 October 2020 we published Scotland’s Mental Health Transition and Recovery Plan. The Plan outlines the Scottish Government’s response to the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is comprehensive, containing over 100 actions.

As well as promoting good mental health and wellbeing, the Plan prioritises rapid and easily accessible support for those in distress and ensures safe, effective treatment and care of people living with mental illness. It also covers the mental health impacts on people living with long-term physical health conditions or disabilities. As well as a tailored programme of work which will help individual NHS Boards respond effectively to the anticipated increase in demand in the months ahead.

The Plan also outlines a set of key actions which we have committed to take forward at pace. We are now working with key stakeholders to focus on the Plan’s implementation, and will put in place comprehensive governance.

The Family Friendly Working Scotland partnership ceased operations on 31 March 2020 and is no longer funded by the Scottish Government and we do not hold the information requested.

Further to the COVID-19 Strategic Framework, and in keeping with the move to a levels based approach, Regulation 6 of the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 provides a power of entry for all “relevant persons”, along with detailed conditions as to how and when that power may be exercised.

The Scottish Government has informally consulted with public bodies and other relevant stakeholders affected by the levels-based approach, which the Regulations implement, including Police Scotland, the Scottish Police Authority and Local Authorities.

As with the other measures taken to tackle the public health emergency, Regulation 6 will be in place for no longer than is justified and, like the other Regulations currently in force, will be reviewed on a regular basis.

Police Scotland continue to apply the 4Es approach of Engagement, Explanation, Encouragement with Enforcement only as a last resort, and has reported that, to date, compliance with the Regulations has generally been good.

We are providing support both as a result of the brake restrictions and the Strategic Framework.

For between 9 October and 2 November, the COVID-19 Restrictions Fund will now provide one-off grants of up to £4,310 to businesses required to close by regulations. For businesses that may remain open but are directly impacted by the restrictions, the maximum hardship fund grant will increase to £2,155. Additionally, grants of £1,650 will help those firms that are required to close to help meet the 20% employer’s contribution that they required to pay under the current UK Government furlough scheme.

From 2 November, grants will be available for every 4 week period of restrictions. As outlined in the Strategic Framework, announced 23 October, grants of £2,000 or £3,000 (depending on rateable value) will be available for business required to close by law. A hardship grant of £1,400 or £2,100 (depending on rateable value) for businesses that remain open but are directly impacted by restrictions.

Although the Scottish Government recognises that this has been a particularly difficult year for hospitality businesses, the Scottish Government cannot compensate businesses for all loss. This is emergency, lifeline funding for businesses and builds on our already substantial package of over £2.3 billion which has been awarded so far.

We know more support will be needed into the future however the Scottish Government’s resources are limited – we do not have the borrowing powers required to fully support industries affected by the impact of covid. Along with other Devolved Administrations we have consistently pressed the UK Government for increased powers to enable us to tailor our response and we will continue to make that case.

This is an operational and management matter and would therefore be for the BiFab Board of Directors to consider.

The terms of the lease would be a commercial matter between Highlands & Islands Enterprise and the BiFab Board of Directors. Further details of how to obtain a copy of the lease can be found on the Registers of Scotland website - https://www.ros.gov.uk/services/order-documents#registerofdeeds