The Scottish Parliament Chamber Business - September 2017, 28 Sep 2017

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From YouTube: First Minister's Questions - 28 September 2017

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1. Ruth Davidson: Question to be taken in Chamber. (S5F-01564)
2. Alex Rowley: Question to be taken in Chamber. (S5F-01565)
3. Patrick Harvie: Question to be taken in Chamber. (S5F-01566)
4. Richard Lochhead: To ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government has
had with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service regarding it attending medical emergencies, in light
of reports that trials of this service will end due to a dispute over pay and conditions. (S5F-01568)
5. Donald Cameron: To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government’s response is to the
Committee on Climate Change’s report, Reducing emissions in Scotland - 2017 progress report.
(S5F-01574)
6. Richard Leonard: To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will give a
commitment in the week of International Day of Older Persons that eligibility criteria for the
national concessionary travel scheme will not change during the current parliamentary session.
(S5F-01595)

Read the full transcript of First Minister's Questions in the Scottish Parliament Official Report: https://goo.gl/Crpb8b

A

Question number one: Ruth Davidson are.

B

You bleeding officer: does the First Minister think that a tax policy that brings in 55 million pound less than forecast is a good one? First.

A

C

I am assuming that Ruth Davidson is referring to lb TT, the the property tax that was introduced when powers transferred to this Parliament revenues raised in the most recent financial year, 2016-17 were actually 14% higher than the revenues raised in the previous year. The revenue jury is where yes, indeed lower than forecast, but that is not something that is in any way unique to Scotland. If we look, for example, at the corresponding tax in the rest of the UK, the UK stamp duty, the revenue raised there was some 8 percent lower than the obr forecast.

C

These issues are mainly because it is very difficult to predict transaction taxes, but of course, the revenues raised also reflect the general economic conditions. There, property prices generally and, as the fiscal commission said in relation to lb TT, the situation in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

A

B

Indeed, talking about lb TT and let's go through the numbers for Scotland, and the Scottish government expected 538 million to come from lb TT and in the end, only 483 million came in a shortfall of 55 that was according to property experts due to a considerable drop in activity because of this tax. Now, let's see if we can get some clarity here from the First Minister area in the summer, her finance secretary said this. He said no quote directly I'm, not an ideologue on this issue.

B

We want the tax to function well and if there's a case that an amendment of the current vans could help stimulate the housing market and the revenue it raises, then I will consider it with a 55 million pound shortfall and a housing market again and I'll court in serious slowdown. Hasn't that case now be made fresh.

A

C

Firstly, of course, we will bring forward their tax decisions in our budget to be scrutinized by Parliament for this and for all taxes for which we are responsible. But let's get into the detail of Ruth Davidson's question here, because she talks about a shortfall. 483 million pounds raised in 2016-17, as I said, was actually 14% higher than the revenues raised in the previous year. That's more revenue being brought in to use for for public spending.

C

Secondly, Miss Davidson somehow wants to give the impression that a shortfall against a revenue forecast is somehow uniquely to do with the structure of the tax in Scotland. Perhaps she wants to therefore explain why, as I said on a lake fillet basis, there was an 8% short for whom the rest of the UK compared to the OB our forecast, but let's get into the heart of the suggestions that was Davidson is making, because the claim here is that this is due to the rates of tax at the top end of the property market.

C

Unfortunately, for Ruth Davidson, who, as we've seen in in recent weeks, doesn't always do a homework around the issue she raises at First, Minister's Questions, the facts. Tell a different story: I mean let's look at data to the end of August this year, sales of properties between three hundred and twenty five thousand and seven hundred and fifty thousand pounds are up by 14 percent annually sales. Above seven hundred and fifty thousand pounds are up by ten percent annually.

C

The monthly revenues for August of this year, in both of these property brackets, were at the highest levels. Ever since lb TT was introduced, saw transactions, and this is an additional bit of information just to inform Ruth, Davidson transactions and revenues at the top of the market and actually maintaining the share of the overall market. So, yes, predicting a transaction tax revenue is notoriously difficult to do, and that's sure not just in Scotland but south of the border, but revenues in the year.

C

We're talking about are up on the previous and the claims Ruth Davidson is making a bit. The top end of the market are simply not borne out by the facts. Why can't she just concede that, and perhaps do a bit more research and homework in future Davidson.

B

The First Minister does excel in trying to pretend to answer a question that wasn't asked, but let's talk about one more. If the First Minister had done her homework, she would have listened to Nicola Bartley he's the chief executive of home for Scotland I'm gonna read out. This is quite a lengthy court, so I hope I've got latitude from the first two short questions, presiding officer, as we have expressed in submissions to the Scottish, Government and Scottish Parliament.

B

If we are have, are to have a healthy and wealth functioning housing market, we need a tax framework that enables movement up and down all price levels. However, feedback from our members shows that the present system, which varies considerably from that south of the border, is creating significant barriers and here's the thing presiding officer. The SNP was warned repeatedly that this would happen. Organizations like the Scottish property Federation made it clear that these tax rates would come up the market and reduce revenues, and that is exactly what happened this week.

B

This week, a specific proposal has been put on the table. A specific proposal has been put on the table this week by Holmes for Scotland. They want to make it easier for families to move up the property ladder I'm proposing to extend the 5% bans to help them I'll back. That proposal. Will she First.

A

C

Bring forward tax proposals in her budget, that's the rate in proper way to proceed. Let me just pick up on a few things. Davidson said there: firstly, I'm not sure what question she was asking me: if it wasn't the one I answer, they gave it a very, very detailed answer to a question and the point is and I don't want to repeat everything. I've just said, but what was Davidson is saying here is not borne out by the facts.

C

Have just quoted figures that show that property sales transactions in these brackets at the top of the property market are not declining. As Ruth Davidson says, they are actually increasing by 14% and 10% respectively. That is an increase nor decrease. So the whole premise of rich Davidson's question, it seems to me- has crumbled before our very eyes, but here we get also I think to a broader issue here and it's one that has surface that discussion and First Minister questions in recent weeks.

C

Yet again, we have, day after day after day, week after week after week, Torrey members coming to this chamber sometimes declaring their business interests, sometimes not degrading their business interests calling for calling for extra spending, and yet here again we have the Tories also calling for a cut in tax for the very wealthiest in our society. The summons for the Tories simply gone add up so firstly, at least Davidson is wrong in her central claims today and yet again the Tories have been found absolutely wanting.

C

They want us to spend more, but they also want is to cut taxes, and they cannot have the base of both work. Ruth.

A

Davidson I.

B

Don't even know how you are going to pick through all of the things that weren't said that have been claimed there, but let's go back to the numbers. Let's go back to the act. All.

A

Right order order order, order.

B

A

Please mrs. Pethick, miss Davison knows that you refreshed the chair not to the press gallery absolutely.

B

Let's get back to the numbers to the first minister says that this went up not down, but the embarrassment for the SNP is that the shortfall would have been much worse if they hadn't adopted wholesale. The Tory proposal for the new surcharge on Beitel, a and second home. So she talks about raising revenue. There was a hundred million pounds right there and that's not their idea. That was ours so, on the very first new tax administered by the government, the First Minister has got it completely wrong. She gummed up the housing market.

B

She blew a fifty five million pound Hall in her own budget, which would have been three times worse if she hadn't picked up the Tory policy on vital air and second volumes and more importantly- and this is the important bit she squeezed Scottish families out of their first proper home- does that sound like competency to our First.

A

C

Well, firstly, can always tell when receivers floundering in France Minister's Questions when she starts humbling abuse across the chamber, although it's it's nothing on the abuse that was huddled at me and others by the Tory council. Of course, who was taken off the teaching register because of her behavior, something that Rose Davison probably won't want to comment on, but you know I'm not sure what bit of this Rose Davidson is is struggling to understand.

C

I should say in terms of people at the bottom of the housing lot of people actually looking to or in their first home we've reduced the tax burden, because we've made a LBGT more progressive than stamp duty ever was then, but then regressive. Taxes is something that's clearly offensive to people on the Tory benches, but you know what we've got here is a situation where lb TT revenue is up it compared to the year before.

C

That's up not down, we've got the situation where transactions at the top of the market are up not down again, that's up not down. So you know the the whole premise of risk. Davidson's question here is absolutely floored. We will continue to put forward proposals that are progressive in nature, help those most in need of help at the bottom and make sure that those with the broadest shoulders at pay. A fair share, I know that principle of progressive tax as I say, is something that Tory branches don't like.

C

But it's one that those of us in this bench those bit these benches will continue to adhere to.

A

Question number two I, like Rollie.

D

Laden officer.

A

D

Please, just like an officer I made a few weeks ago with a ocean development company, well I'm, going to talk about a serious issue and I would ask that you actually give me the copper silver duty was an officer I met a few weeks ago with the ocean development company, who is with me a live application that they have for 900 new houses to be built. The developer had talked at the application would have been determined by last Christmas, but has no.

D

They did not complain about the planning process, who'd, not the work, rather, the lack of front-loaded capital needed to build the new 8 million pound school as part of the section 75 agreement. The developer cannot afford to front-load level investment and neither can the council. They said to me that this is not an uncommon issue and as a real body after new housing development bimbo. Does the First Minister recognize this problem and does the government have any plans to address this and get new house and development Hartmann across Scotland First Minister? Well,.

C

Thank you for raising this issue. I'm sure he appreciates that. Without for the detail of what particular project an application he's talking about, there will be a limit to what I can see in terms of a detailed response. If he wants to either share more detail with me today or write to me after First Minister's, Questions I will make sure it is properly looked into.

C

That said, of course, if it is a live application again, there will be a limit to what I can see, because due process has to take its course in terms of the the general issue. I like really raises. The yes is one I recognize and one that the Scottish Government, what to try to address are often the limitations around infrastructure when housing developments a are wanted to go ahead and that's, for example, why the Scottish government introduced the housing infrastructure loan fund.

C

It specifically designed to try to deal with these limitations and see the provision of the infrastructure, whether that schools, hospitals, health services that are often require to support new housing development. So we will continue to take out to try to address these concerns and, as I said at the outset of my answer, if he wants to provide me with more detail of the particular application, he's talking about, I can make sure that that is fully looked into, and we can consider whether there is any more the Scottish government can do to assist. Hi.

A

D

Was a general principle because I highlight one case, but I'm told it's not uncommon and that as the Lockean for structure has all not development anyway play that sector new boat is one part of meeting the host needs and Scotland.

D

However, a number of people and the number of people woven and play that rented sector Ocean has risen dramatically over the last two decades, with little regulation reins of also show up and the sector, the cost of rains often be as no relation to the conditions and values of the properties that the people are renting and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has said that the proportionate people being classed as been in poverty who love and the private rented sector has almost tripled.

D

Does the First Minister recognise this issue and are you willing to look at what can be done to address thus including consideration of some rent controls? First.

A

C

Well, of course, I rarely will recall that in the most recent legislation passed by this Parliament, if memory serves me correctly in the last session of Parliament, legislation was enacted that allows action to be taken where local authorities consider that there are problems worth excessive rain increases. So the parliament has already acted to introduce some form of rent control provision.

C

Of course, we will always consider if there is a case to go from there, because, as Alec Rowley rightly says, and as we saw from the household survey published just this week, the numbers living in private, rented accommodation and increasing, and it's important that that housing remains affordable for people, but also that we take action to ensure that private rented housing is over high quality and as somebody who represents an open constituency, I'm very well aware of the importance of both of those things in terms of housing generally, as I hope people across the chamber would acknowledge.

C

We are investing record sums three billion pounds over the course of this parliament in treating 50,000, more affordable homes and in terms of house building, completion were building houses that re faster than any other part of the UK. So that's the record of this government and we will continue to do everything we can to build upon it. Holly.

D

Rowley I'm presiding officer I've continued to welcome or has been getting done, but clearly government scaling the housing issues. We need to do more, given that we are moving towards winter as the purist people and the purist ocean that fears the greatest challenges. Energy arcs in Scotland has said that as many as a third of private rented sector, tenants and Scotland are also woven in fuel poverty, almost double the same figure as those with the mortgage.

D

I know that the government have said they're, bringing forward their warm homes, bail, I, co-chaired a meeting with Dean, Freeman and Khosla earlier this month on benefit. Take up, can I ask the First Minister what else can be done to help the purist people and the purest properties? That's went our first.

C

There's a range of things that can be done and are being done by this government. They include, for example, continuing to talk to the the power companies to make sure that people, particularly on the lowest incomes, are given a fear and a fear, a deal that has often been the case in the past.

C

Secondly, that is action their continued action to improve the energy efficiency of our housing stock and again, this government I think, unlike other governments across the UK, have invested heavily in improving energy efficiency standards, as a large number of homes have had energy efficiency measures installed, supported by government funding, and also we can make sure that we've got fuel target fuel poverty targets in place that are helping to address this issue. That's why the warm homes bill that we committed to in the programme for government is so important.

C

So these are all vitally important issues, but you know as I hope, Alec, Newberry and others would acknowledge. This government is doing I, think and I. Think I can see this without fear of contradiction, doing much more here than any other government across the UK, and we will continue to do so.

A

Never, of course, you see supplementary smari Googe, our first.

E

Nhs Tayside are currently undertaking a consultation which could lead to the closure of the mulberry unit, mental health and patient facility, and my constituency in Angus. However, I have serious concerns, as do my constituents in Angus and Aberdeen sure, though they haven't been consulted that this consultation, but each a Scottish, Health, Care soul, guidance on major service changes. It offers no alternative to closure as inaccessible and appears to be a box tucking exercise.

E

Well, the First Minister commits to urgently in Vesta gating these concerns to ensure that NHS Tayside meets obligations to provide robust and transparent consultation. Christmas.

A

C

Health secretary will certainly really the concerns that have just been expressed at tutti Sade health border I should say in fairness. Concerns were raised with the cabinet when we had one of our summer cabinet meetings. Nt side concerns about the the nature of the consultation, so we will make sure that those concerns are raised and the health board responds to them.

C

Of course, the proposals around at the mobile reward and Murray Royal Hospital are part of a Teesside wage review of adult mental health and learning disability services, which has been led by person Knaus integrated, Joint Board, on behalf of the the partnership of the CI GB Zinta site and NHS Tayside, it's important that people have opportunities to fit in their views and that people have confidence and assurance that these views are taken seriously.

C

The consultation, of course, is not closed, yet it runs until the third of October and I would encourage everyone with an interest to feedback their views.

A

Encourage members, including a couple of ministers, of the back to stop having conversations across the chamber, Hey dimka, Thank,.

F

You presiding officer, staying in Angus and NHS Tayside Angus here to help is a local lifeline service which helps over 600 people in Angus suffering with hearing loss and helps deliver the vision outlined in the Scottish Government's health and social care delivery plan in March, 2017, Angus, Health and Social Care Partnership rejected a funding application. No other funding sources have been forthcoming. Angus here to help needs 17,000 pounds to survive without it it will close, probably by this time next week.

F

So please will the First Minister argent Lee step in and ask the NHS Tayside save local provision by giving the service the 17 thousand pound it requires First.

A

C

Here before they address the substance of the question that the conservators are part of the administration of Angus, Council and I would hope that these issues have been raised with the local council. It obviously projects like the one. The member talks about, though, are really important.

C

I am NOT weed of all the details of this particular project, but, given that this has been raised with me in the chamber, I will make sure that is looked into and that we have a relevant discussion with the council with the igb, and if there is anything follow the Scottish Government can do to help, then we will certainly be happy to do so. Kate.

A

Forbes thanks.

G

For sailing officer to ask the First Minister of what steps has got it government believes NHS. Halen should take to give an assurance to the people of sky. That services for the north of the island and pertwee Hospital in particular, will be sustained long into the future.

A

First Minister well.

C

The health secretary mate with a leader of Halon Council and came to the Macdonald from Sky, along with the Chilean chief executives from NHS, Highland or thought of the 21st of September to discuss services in portree. The health secretary was very clear, with the board that she expects Sky to receive a high quality health service that meets the needs of all of the island and as part of that, commitments have been received from the board. That of errors covered in emergency cover at poetry. Hospital they are remaining.

C

The health secretary has also been consistently clear, with NHS highland that they must continue to meaningfully engage with local stakeholders as work proceeds, and she made this clear again when she mate with all parties. Last Thursday and.

A

Daniel Johnson Thank.

H

You presiding officer and may this year one of my constituents received confirmation that her ten-year-old daughter was Anna waiting list to see a paediatric ENT specialist at the end of this month concerned that maybe the appointment had gone missing in the post. She called the health board only to be told that the waiting time for such appointments was now 18 to 20 months and maybe longer.

H

Does the First Minister agree with me that nearly two years is far too long for a ten-year-old to wait to see a specialist and and what is the Scottish Government doing to bring down these massive and frankly unacceptable waiting times.

C

Yes, I I do agree and again obviously I, don't know all of the details of this case. If they can be passed to me, then the health secretary will make sure she investigates that and discusses that with the Health Board comes the general part of the members question. We are investing record songs in the health service. We also see record numbers of people working in our health service. We're undertaking important reforms to our health service, so that is demand for the NHS continues to rise, as it will do because of the aging population.

C

We have the capacity in place to deal with that, so we will continue to take action to support our National Health Service and, of course, if the details of this particular case can be passed to me, I'm happy to have them looked into question.

A

Or three patrick.

I

Harvie Thank You presiding officer, we already know who would benefit from the Scottish Government's proposal to cut aviation taxes. Seventy percent of flights are taken by just 15 percent of people. They tend to be the wealthiest. They stand to gain over eight hundred pounds a year from this tax cut, while a couple taking their children. Our annual holiday would only save 13 pounds, but we also know that people in Scotland understand that they won't benefit when they were asked.

I

In an opinion poll fewer than one in ten people said that this tax cut would make a positive difference to their lives. The vast majority choice, investment in public transport fixing, potholes and better infrastructure, and with Ryanair now being accused of persistently misleading passengers. I think most people also know that we can't really trust the airlines even to pass on the tax cut to passengers. Does the First Minister accept that people know what transport policies will meet their needs and that they don't rate less tax cut First Minister well,.

C

I've set her in the chamber on many occasions previously why this particular proposal- yes, the government has had for many years now, is important in terms of wider economic competitiveness, making sure that the connectivity of our country supports business and economic growth in terms of specific proposals, as I said on another issue, to receive us an early at all, and we will of course bring forward our budget proposals when we published our draft budget later this year and Parliament will scrutinize all aspects of that draft budget in terms of ADT in particular, there's another issue that the finance secretary has shared with Parliament previously around the Highlands and Islands exemption, where we have concerns about the state's compatibility of the exemption previously introduced by the UK government and we're discussing with the UK government how that can be resolved and will keep Parliament updated on that can I.

C

Just. Lastly, of course, refer to the current situation with Ryan ear, which is deeply regrettable and I have serious concerns about the decisions taken by Ryan here in the last couple of days. These will cause disruption to many passengers traveling to and from Scotland to London and indeed to other destinations across Europe. The Transport Minister is writing to Ryan ear to pass on these concerns that are, of course, alternative flights available, but we also fully support the Civil Aviation Authority launch of enforcement action, because it's vital at times of disruption.

C

The airlines provide full and accurate information to passengers about the rates that they have.

I

Magically the the first minister talks about the economic basis for her policy, but we've already seen from parliamentary scrutiny that there is no coherent evidence base for it and it's been a bad week for those Scottish Government's transport policies. In environmental terms, the climate change committee has said: Scotland needs more action to meet its climate change plans and they drew particular attention to the inadequate approach to transport emissions. Aviation emissions are now 82 percent higher than the baseline, against which everybody else is trying to cut Scotland's emissions.

I

Yet the Scottish government wants to boost this most polluting transport mode of all, and the Fraser of Allender Institute has warned that this. He will just lead to more tax competition, a race to the bottom and ultimately, less public revenues for services everywhere throughout these islands. This policy is unwanted, unnecessary and unsupported by any evidence, isn't it time just to dump it once and for all? First mr. Patrick.

C

And I have a long-standing difference of opinion on this, but, as I said, we will bring forward our budget proposals in in due course, but I. Just I'm glad Patrick Harvie mentioned at the report of the climate change committee, because, yes, while it did, encourage us to go further and to go faster, also said that Scotland was leading the UK and the world.

C

Indeed in terms of action to tackle climate change and, of course, the programme for government that I outlined in Parliament just a few weeks ago included proposals to double financial support for active travel. It included proposals to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 two years ahead of the target in the rest of the UK. We will later this year unknown said the first low emission zone and we outlined plans to have low emissions owns at all of our major cities by 2020. So across a range of issues.

C

We are taking action in transport that makes sure we're reducing emission and helping to meet our climate change targets as they are now and in the even more ambitious targets that will be safe. For the future.

A

Of our country from bill kid Thank.

J

You presiding officer to ask the First Minister's what engagement the Scottish government undertakes with the Scottish campaign for nuclear disarmament and what possession of holes on the treaty of nuclear weapons. Prohibition of nuclear weapons recently successfully passed at the United Nations.

A

C

I support that treaty I want to see a world free of nuclear weapons and I. Think countries like the UK should lead by example. Instead of spending tens of billions of pounds on a new generation of Trident nuclear missiles, we should be gettin rid of Trident nuclear missiles from the cloud. So we will continue to support action for unilateral nuclear disarmament, because if we see countries leading by example, then we will the world a safer place in the long term. As a result of that.

C

So we will support action internationally from the UN and elsewhere to support that, because it is the right thing to do morally, financially and for practical reasons as well.

A

Question number four: Richard locket.

K

Can I ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government has had with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service regarding it attending medical emergencies and later reports that trials of this service will end due to dispute over pain conditions, First Minister, the Scottish.

C

Government is not direct participant in negotiations with the Fire Brigades Union, the Scottish, Fire and Rescue Service is the employer and it conducts negotiations as part of the UK wide National Joint Council for Fire and Rescue Services at the Minister for Community Safety last May, the chief fire officer and the chair of the fire service on Tuesday when she shared their disappointment that involvement in the medical emergency trials has been suspended and encouraged continued discussions at the Scottish Ambulance Service, of course, prioritizes patients with immediately life-threatening conditions and will take all appropriate measures in those areas where the out of hospital cardiac arrest trial has been taking place to ensure that they continue to respond to emergencies without delay.

C

A

Should look at.

K

Can I thank the First Minister for her answer and I'm sure she'll agree that the child's have been a big success, given that in the first year, firefighters have made 41, potentially life-saving interventions. It's the First Minister aware of the campaign being conducted by my constituents, mr. or mrs.

K

McCann Dee, who tragically lost her son Keenan last year in a road traffic accident when he was out cycling and who have since been calling for firefighters to attend medical emergencies, as they can be closer to incidence it in the nearest ambulance, and they wish to see this change of policy as part of Keaton's legacy. But understandably, there are quite really short that are peer. Dispute could get in the way of saving lives and they want to see the corresponding of the emergency services to all the traffic accidents. So does the First Minister therefore agree?

K

We need a solution that respects the views of the firefighters who want to continue delivering this faithful service without delay and for corresponding to comes standard Scotland deceiving to see it even more lives. Christmas.

A

C

I do agree with all of that. I am a weird of the campaign by mr. and mrs. McCann D, who I think had to be greatly admired for their efforts to promote improvement to the way services respond to emergency incidents following the tragic loss of their son and I agree wholeheartedly that the emergency medical trials at an excellent example of public services working work closely together to achieve a common aim and improve the service that is provided to the public.

C

As I said in my previous answer, the Community Safety Minister has encouraged continued discussions on P. We want to see our fire service workers paid appropriately. I am a wheel that the chief fire officer has written a letter to fire service staff, asking that discussions continue on a proposal that is in the best interest of firefighters and communities. So I would encourage all sides to do everything they can to show that they show that this issue can be resolved without further delay. Runamuck.

A

L

You for sailing officer could the First Minister provide details on the operational budget provided to Scotland's Fire and Rescue Services First.

A

C

Has been an increase as I think I said in the chamber: First Minister's Questions last week or the week before in the resource budget for the Fire and Rescue Services I. Think if memory serves me correctly of around 20 million pounds, and we will continue to make sure that we support our frontline firefighters, they do an outstanding job on behalf of all of us and it is rate that the service is appropriately supported and also that firefighters that are given the rewards that they deserve. Gosh.

A

Number 5 Donald Cameron to.

M

Ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's responses to the Committee on climate changes report reducing emissions in Scotland, 2017 progress report, First.

A

C

Welcome the committee's report, which recognizes that Scotland's ambition of climate change is amongst the highest in the world, also recognizes our strong progress to date with statutory targets make for the second consecutive year and notes that we continue to lead the UK. We will, of course, take time to reflect fully on the committee's report. As we finalize the climate change plan for publication.

C

We know that even more needs to be done to continue meeting our challenging targets and that's why the program for government sets out bold new commitments in areas such as low carbon transport infrastructure and energy efficiency. Colonel.

M

Cameron I thank the First Minister for her answer. It's already been pointed out today that around a third of households in Scotland are in fuel poverty. In light of this, and given the fact that a week ago, Parliament marks Scottish housing day, will the First Minister commit to Scottish Conservative proposals to ensure that every home in Scotland achieves an EPC rating of C or above by 2030, fresh Minister.

A

C

We will continue to take action to improve energy efficiency of our housing stock across all 10 years, and we say out further ambition on that in the programme for government. But yet again you know go back to what I said to Ruth Davidson. This sounds very much like yet again the Tories coming to this chamber and calling on us to spend more money while at the same time calling for tax cuts for the richest in our society.

C

The Tories increasingly have no credibility whatsoever on any of these issues and why all this contradictory stance continues to be the position that credibility will continue to sink.

A

Claudia Beamish Thank.

N

You presiding officer, the agriculture sector is also a heavy greenhouse gas emitter. The UK CCC's report said and I quote, there's been a little recent progress in reducing agricultural emissions and yet again said that I quote again. The Scottish government should look again at going beyond the voluntary approach. I'm a member of the Eclair committee, and we said that the compulsory soil testing is a vital step, a vital stepping stone in changing behaviour on farms and should be in the final climate change plan.

N

In my view, this should be introduced with support building on good practice in the agriculture sector. So will it be in the final plan first minister, and does the First Minister agree that each Minister should be answerable to Parliament for changes in their portfolio? In the context of this vital issue? Well,.

C

Let me respond to just a couple of points in that question. Firstly, in terms of soil testing and the agriculture sector, of course, that is hugely important. The agriculture sector will please a big part in helping us to meet a climate change targets. It is important, I think, to point out, though, that there is currently a high tea cup of soil testing voluntarily from those within the agriculture sector and obviously, as we go forward, we need to continue to do more to encourage that take up to increase even further.

C

Secondly, in terms of what I think is a fair point about the responsibility across government for meeting our climate change targets, the Environment Secretary has principal responsibilities around the cabinet table, but she cannot do that without the support of every other member of the government, and we should be accountable each and every one of us within our own portfolio areas which, for me includes every portfolio area, obviously, and in terms of the contribution that they make and accountable to Parliament and to the weight of public.

C

We will only meet these targets if we take the action required across our electricity and waited energy sector and a transport sector which Patrick Harvie has just been raising and, of course, the agriculture sector as well final point I, would make relates to the the question about the climate change plan. We will publish the final climate change plan early next year.

C

We have consulted on that and are considering the responses and the consultation, so I'm not going to see right now what is going to be in the final climate change plan, because we have to go through the process on that. But I can give an assurance to Parliament that climate change plan will be ambitious so that we can meet the current targets that we have said. That's what this climate change plan is about.

C

But of course we also have the forthcoming climate change bill, which is all about setting even more ambitious targets for us to meet. So we continue to lead not just the UK but the world in terms of our ambition here and it's a responsibility for all of us to make sure that the action we're taking allows us to meet that ambition in the years ahead. Emma.

A

O

The First Minister provide detail on how long-term emission reductions in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK, and does she agree that Scotland continues to be considered a leader in tackling climate change. First.

A

C

We continue to outperform the rest of the UK and delivering long term emissions reductions. The most recent statistics show that Scottish emissions are down thirty seven point: six percent from baseline labels that compared to 35.4% for the UK as a whole amongst the EU 15 countries, only Sweden and Finland have done better than Scotland. It was sustained progress against one of leading targets and that commitment as I was just saying to strengthening these father with a new bill in direct response to the Paris agreement. Scotland is at the very forefront of international climate action.

C

A leadership on this issue has been widely recognized, including by the head of the UN climate body and the chair of the UK's independent Committee on climate change and I. Think it's something we should all be proud of. Well, of course, continue to challenge ourselves to go even further question.

A

Six Richard Leonard Thank.

P

You presiding officer to ask the First Minister whether the Scottish government will give a commitment in this week the week of International Day of all the persons that eligibility criteria for the National concessionary travel scheme will not change. During the current parliamentary session, First Minister well.

C

We will continue to ensure that our national concessionary travel scheme benefits those who rely on free bus travel. That is indeed why we are asking people across Scotland for the views and how best to ensure that the bus pass is sustainable for the long term.

C

The current consultation is just that it's a consultation, no decisions will be made until all responses have been fully considered, but whatever the outcome, let me be clear: nobody's bus pass will be taken away from them, and indeed some people who don't currently qualify for a bus pass know will do so in the future. Richard.

A

P

Can I thank the First Minister for the answer in a program for government? It's true that there is a commitment to continuing the concessionary travel scheme introduced by a labor leader, Scottish executive, however, that, however, that commitment is qualified with the phrase and I quote. Whilst ensuring the scheme is sustainable in the longer term, will the First Minister confirm today that there will be no raising of the qualifying age? No administrative charge is implemented.

P

No one off payment required, no means testing and no other barrier introduced that will prevent all of those aged 60 and over from accessing the scheme.

C

Somewhat lost touch with reality, where is Richard Leonard, really suggesting that we should have a scheme in place that is not sustainable for the long term. It's because we value the bus pass scheme because we want to see it continue to benefit people right across Scotland that were having this consultation to make sure it is sustainable for the long term, and people long into the future can continue to enjoy the benefits of it. And that really is the difference between the SNP and labour. We fight for Scotland, Scottish, Labour, just fight amongst themselves.

C

Yesterday, it was incredible yesterday: wasn't it: we had Richard Leonard's accused by Jackie Baillie of betraying every value that Labour holds dear and then we add Richard Leonard, seen that this was just the latest Jackie Baillie. Is this Miss First.

A

Minister First Minister.

C

Let's just see it's a description that covers much of what Jackie Baillie says: freshmen.

A

The question is about national.

C

C

The serious issue is this: this government continues to take the decisions that are in the interests of the people of Scotland and by contrast, Scottish Labour's behavior is selfish and self-indulgent, and it proves they're not fit to be an opposition, let alone a government.

A

James Donen.

Q

Thank You, presiding officer can I, say I'm delighted that the First Minister's confirmed all those we currently have a bus pass will continue to receive one but country. She also confirm me that those who obtain one before any changes may be made will continue receiver, and could she update me the Parliament as to what the current total number of older and disabled people benefiting from free travel with the National incitement card and how this compares to when this government entered office after our labor executive.

A

C

There are thousands of people across Scotland benefiting from this scheme, and we want to make sure that they continue to benefit from this scheme and, of course, as well as at giving the guarantee that everybody who has a bus pass. Everybody who gets a bus pass before the end of this consultation will continue to have their bus pass. We've also set up plans to extend eligibility to apprentices as well to young people making their way in the world to help them and with the course of travel as well.

C

So this government will continue to protect schemes like this that are about helping people across the country, and that is in stark contrast to a Tory party. That's all about tax cuts for the rich and a Labour Party that only wants to fight amongst itself.

C

A

Crumbles, my grumbles.

R

Is the First Minister aware of Rosanna Cunningham statement just yesterday when she said that my coat encouraging behavior change to move people out of cars and into efficient and low emission buses will help reduce both congestion and emissions at the same time? So this is a win-win situation for everybody and all the governments, environmental and transport strategies aligned and are we getting joined up government here with these two is.

C

The short answer to that obviously I'm very well aware of a resigner cunning statement yesterday, I have to say it was an excellent statement. Yesterday, setting out the action we are taking in the transport sector to help me at climate change obligations indeed, day, I think today or very shortly, we will announce additional funding through the Green Bus fund, which is helping to ensure that we have low emissions buses they own orner roads as well.

C

It's absolutely right, and for once and as a real occasion, I concede I agree with my trembles that getting people out of cars out of cars and into buses is one of the most important things we can do to reduce congestion and, of course, at to lower emissions. That's why at the bus pass scheme is so important, but it's also why all of the other action I've spoken about around electric vehicles, low emission zones, doubling the active travel budget I'd also saw important as well. Thank.

A

You, and that concludes fresh notices- questions we now have members business in the name of Richard. Leonard I will just take a few moments for our members to chain teas.