Portfolio Questions

Liz Smith S6O-05259 1. To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its recent decision to allow a flat-rate approach to the visitor levy, what discussions the economy secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding whether to also introduce lower non-domestic rates for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. Bob Doris S6O-05260 2. To ask the Scottish Government how it supports Scotland's Living Wage Places to encourage the uptake of the real Living Wage amongst employers. Douglas Lumsden S6O-05261 3. To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the economy secretary has had with ministerial colleagues on how its internal modelling of oil and gas jobs in the north east compares with the latest industry estimates. Tess White S6O-05262 4. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the impact of its export growth strategy, A Trading Nation, including what metrics it has used to assess this. Michael Matheson S6O-05263 5. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to support manufacturing, including in the renewable energy sector. Rhoda Grant S6O-05264 6. To ask the Scottish Government, in light of parents now being able to request Gaelic school provision in their areas, what financial and resource support it is providing to local authorities to ensure that such requests can be considered and implemented. Gordon MacDonald S6O-05265 7. To ask the Scottish Government, regarding any implications for its work to grow Scotland’s economy, whether it will provide an update on its engagement with the UK Government regarding the Office for Budget Responsibility’s recent economic forecasts. Willie Rennie S6O-05266 8. To ask the Scottish Government what discussions the economy secretary has had with ministerial colleagues regarding support for the workforce and local economy of Mossmorran, in light of ExxonMobil's announcement that the Fife Ethylene Plant will be closed. Finance and Local Government Keith Brown S6O-05267 1. To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the contribution that community-led initiatives can make to supporting local government services and outcomes, and reducing demand through early intervention and prevention. Ariane Burgess S6O-05268 2. To ask the Scottish Government how the planning process monitors the delivery of any job creation figures included within planning applications, including applications for salmon farms, once they are built and operational. Jackie Dunbar S6O-05269 3. To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting Aberdeen City Council to maintain its local government services, including in response to any increasing social need in the city. Audrey Nicoll S6O-05270 4. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its engagement with the UK Government regarding the Energy Profits Levy and its implications for north east Scotland. Carol Mochan S6O-05271 5. To ask the Scottish Government what measures it will take in its Budget to support high street retailers in the South Scotland region that are at risk of closing. Richard Leonard S6O-05272 6. To ask the Scottish Government what communication the finance secretary has had with the UK Government and the Financial Conduct Authority regarding what support is available for policyholders impacted by the withdrawal of the Family Protection Plan by CMutual and Maiden Life Försäkrings. Fulton MacGregor S6O-05273 7. To ask the Scottish Government how much it will allocate in its forthcoming Budget to local authorities to provide financial support to those affected by RAAC, including businesses. Tim Eagle S6O-05274 8. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what plans it has to amend tax thresholds in the next Scottish Budget.