Asked by: Scott Arthur (Labour - Edinburgh South West)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will publish a timeline for making heat networks subject to the energy price cap.
Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Heat network suppliers commercially contract for the fuel that powers heat networks and so they are not subject to the domestic energy price cap.
The Government is however, introducing heat network regulation in January 2026 which aims to provide consumers with comparable protections to existing gas and electricity regulations.
The heat network regulator, Ofgem, will have powers to investigate and intervene where heat network prices charged to consumers appear to be disproportionate or unfair.
Regulatory oversight will be supplemented by statutory redress through the Energy Ombudsman who will have the same powers to hear complaints and make legally binding decisions as they do in gas and electricity markets.
Asked by: Scott Arthur (Labour - Edinburgh South West)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to take steps with the Scottish government to help tackle destitution experienced by migrants in Scotland.
Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)
Migrants with permission under certain family or private life routes can apply for ‘change of conditions’ support where they are destitute, at risk of imminent destitution or if there are reasons relating to the welfare of a relevant child.
For all other immigration routes, if there are particularly compelling circumstances why leaving the UK is not possible, discretion can be used to consider if the circumstances justify provision of public support.
Regardless of immigration status, local authorities are able to provide basic safety net support if it is established there is a risk to the wellbeing of a child or there is a genuine care need that does not arise solely from destitution.
Asked by: Scott Arthur (Labour - Edinburgh South West)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to respond to the report by Beat Eating Disorders entitled There's no place like home- the case for intensive community and day treatments for eating disorders.
Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
We are aware of the report by Beat Eating Disorders entitled There's no place like home - the case for intensive community and day treatments for eating disorders. We are not planning to formally respond to this report, however we are carefully considering its findings.
We recognise the devastating impact an eating disorder can have on someone’s life, and the earlier treatment is provided, the greater the chance of recovery. NHS England is continuing to expand community-based eating disorder services capacity, including crisis care and intensive home treatment. By improving care in the community, the NHS can improve outcomes and recovery, reduce rates of relapse, or prevent eating disorders continuing into adulthood and, if admission is required as a very last resort, reduce lengths of stay.
Asked by: Scott Arthur (Labour - Edinburgh South West)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether plans to terminate tenancies of private sector tenants living in his Department's homes on the Dreghorn (Edinburgh) estate.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has identified the Dreghorn (Edinburgh) estate as surplus to requirements. As a result, all private sector tenants will be given at least two months’ notice to vacate, in accordance with their tenancy agreements.
There is currently no timeframe for the notices to be issued. MOD officials will engage with those affected and advise them when a schedule has been agreed.
Asked by: Scott Arthur (Labour - Edinburgh South West)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the future of Redford Barracks in Edinburgh is being considered as part of the strategic defence review.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The intent to dispose of Redford Barracks has already been confirmed as part of the Defence Estate Optimisation Portfolio with units moving to other military establishments in Edinburgh as part of a £5.1 billion investment in Defence infrastructure.
Asked by: Scott Arthur (Labour - Edinburgh South West)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many customs sites were being used by businesses at (a) Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and (b) Forth Green Freeport in the latest period for which data is available.
Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
The previous government announced new Green Freeports at Inverness and Cromarty Firth, and Forth. Both Green Freeports are in the process of establishing their first customs sites. Tax sites were designated in both Green Freeports earlier this year.