Chamber and committees

COSLA recommended to Scottish Ministers that the flood protection schemes eligible for funding in the Flood Risk Management Strategies published in December 2015 which are not yet “legally committed” are paused. Ministers accepted this recommendation and COSLA are undertaking a review of these projects to assess their status and viability. COSLA will present the review findings to Ministers in due course. This pause and review of schemes is one element of the work being taken forward to review the current funding and distribution arrangements for flood risk management. The Scottish Government has not suspended any expenditure on the flood risk management schemes.

The pound sterling is Scotland’s currency and will continue to be on independence until it is judged that conditions are suitable for individuals and businesses to move to an independent Scottish currency.

An independent Scotland will establish a Scottish Central Bank.

Economic impact studies by BiGGAR Economics for Airbnb, and Frontline Consultants for the Association of Scotland's Self-caterers are discussed in Section G of our Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment which we published in November 2021.

Impact Assessments have been part of the decision making process in our use of emergency Covid-19 powers. Policy continues to be developed with regard to the need to protect human rights, equality considerations, the impact on business and the particular needs of island communities. Appropriate impact assessments are carried out and reported to the Scottish Parliament.

We are committed to supporting public sector employers in improving wellbeing policies for employees, including exploring the benefits of being part of the four-day working week pilot.

The 2022-23 public sector pay policy introduces the option for employers, in discussion with trade unions, to take a multi-year, reform approach to pay. Employers pursuing this option can explore piloting a four day working week.

More detail regarding four day week pilots in the public sector will be set out in due course.

All decisions made in the development of measures under the Covid-19 emergency powers have included careful assessment of the necessity and potential impacts of the powers and their compatibility with the Convention rights set out in the Human Rights Act 1998.

Appropriate impact assessments are carried out as part of this process and are reported to the Scottish Parliament.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-05839 on 21 January 2022. 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

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-05641 on 25 January 2022. 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 information requested on how many people have been treated using hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is not centrally held.

34 people were referred to England in 2017-18, 28 in 2018-19, 25 in 2019-20, 20 in 2020-21 and 13 people so far in 2021-22.

The Hospitality Top Up Fund provides support to hospitality businesses that lost bookings during the festive trading period, including pubs, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs.

Bingo businesses are eligible for funding though the Hospitality and Leisure top-up fund which supports businesses impacted by the necessary public health restrictions introduced from 27 December 2021, including requirements for physical distancing and capacity limits.