Chamber and committees

a) The following table shows the amount of clinical waste generated by the NHS in Scotland in 2020 and 2021:

The most recent published National Statistics for Recorded Crime in Scotland shows that in the period 2019-20, there were 45,074 recorded cases in the “vandalism etc” category, which includes sub categories malicious mischief, vandalism, culpable and reckless conduct (not with firearms), reckless conduct with firearms, culpable and reckless conduct involving aircraft, a 1 per cent decrease on the previous year, and a continuation of the overall longer trend which has seen a 42 per cent decrease in the number of vandalism crimes recorded since 2010-11. 1,615 people were prosecuted specifically for vandalism in 2018-19. Conviction for spraying graffiti is embedded in this figure.

However, we recognise that the impact of COVID-19 restrictions may have changed the profile of incidents of graffiti in Scotland and are supporting the charity Nil by Mouth to undertake an audit of the levels and types of graffiti that local authorities have been experiencing so that we can build a more up-to-date picture of the issues caused by graffiti in Scotland since the beginning of lockdown. This work began recently and will be carried out over the next few months.

Statistics which cover suicide figures in Scotland during the pandemic period from 2020 to 2021 are not yet available. National Records of Scotland expect to publish the 2020 figures in June 2021.

We are committed to continuous improvement in the diagnosis, care, treatment and support of people living with respiratory conditions which is why set out in our Programme for Government a Respiratory Action Plan to deliver these key priorities.

The final Respiratory Care Action Plan will be published later this year and following publication, an implementation plan will be developed with input from a National Advisory Board and key delivery partners. As we develop and finalise these plans we will have a clearer understanding of funding required to deliver the commitments and priorities set out in the Respiratory Care Action Plan.

The Scottish Government has discussions with NHS Lothian regularly regarding its capital investment plans, including its plans for the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-33923 on 3 February 2021. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-33923 on 3 February 2021. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

To qualify for the retail, hospitality and leisure grant a business had to be operating in the retail, hospitality or leisure sectors and the premises recorded in the valuation roll as being used for one of the qualifying purposes. An outline of the qualifying purposes was provided in the guidance for Local Authorities in Finance Circular 08/2020 . The grant scheme was designed to ensure most efficient use of limited resources and support as many businesses as possible. While betting shops were not listed as a qualifying purpose for the retail, hospitality and leisure grants, they were listed as eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund.

Our focus is on delivering the maximum support for businesses and the economy as possible and from 2 November the Strategic Framework Business Fund offers grants for businesses required to close by law, or specifically required to modify their operations by law.

We fully appreciate the impact the closure of swimming pools is having on people’s physical and mental health, especially those with long-term conditions such as arthritis. The Scottish Government, sport scotland, local authorities and sporting bodies are working together and accessing the latest evidence to produce guidance to allow people to access facilities when it is deemed safe to do so.

Decisions on what sectors and activities to re-open on our route out of lockdown are guided by the principles set out in our Framework for Decision Making. Proposals are technically assessed using the best available evidence and analysis of their potential benefits and harms to health, the economy, and broader society to minimise overall harm and ensure transmission of the virus continues to be suppressed. This assessment process includes oversight of the assessed health risks in different settings by the Chief Medical Officer and input from the other Chief Clinicians as appropriate.

We understand that people with painful conditions like arthritis may be facing additional difficulties in managing their condition during the pandemic. Many NHS Boards and third-sector organisations such as Versus Arthritis provide a range of tools and self-management resources to support people to keep active, which may be particularly helpful at this time.

No timetable for publication has been agreed at present. The ongoing response to the Covid-19 pandemic is the focus of our activity, and we have agreed with BMA Scotland that the final report and its important recommendations will be released when it has been fully considered.