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We are committed toensuring that the implementation of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 is carefully managed and that all sectors andusers are supported through the transition from the existing multiple disclosureregime to the new modern, streamlined, efficient and effective vetting and barringsystem. It is recognised that this is of particular relevance to the voluntary sectorespecially small, voluntary organisations. As implementation plans are developedand advanced, careful consideration will be given to specific and aggregate fundingrequired for this sector and we will keep the Scottish Parliament and stakeholdersinformed of progress and plans through regular reports.

As part of its currentStrategic Spending Review, the government is considering future investment requirementsfor affordable housing. Figures relating to plans for affordable housing provisionin future years will not be known until the conclusion of the Spending Review laterthis year.

This information isnot available centrally.

We support the practiceof three-year funding for the voluntary sector across the public sector and encouragethe use of longer term funding agreements, where possible, to provide a stable andefficient operating environment for the sector.

The Scottish Government’sspending plans for the period 2008-11 will be announced in late autumn, when thestrategic spending review is concluded.

The Scottish Governmentis committed to supporting the third sector. We believe that the third sector hasa major role to play in delivering our overarching purpose which is to focusgovernment and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunitiesfor all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.The government’s five strategic objectives underpin that purpose and we are keento develop new partnerships and relationships with all sectors to help us achieveour aims for a more successful Scotland.

The Local Governmentin Scotland Act (2003) introduced the statutory responsibility of best value forlocal authorities. To ensure that best value is consistentlyapplied by local authorities Audit Scotland carries out an audit of best value andcommunity planning of each local authority, normally on a three year cycle. Allpublished audit reports are available from the Accounts Commission.

I refer the memberto the answer to question S3W-2446 on 14 August 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament’s website the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

I will write to youshortly on this issue, setting out in more detail an answer to your question.

I refer the memberto the answer to question S3W-2446 on 14 August 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are availableon the Parliament’s website the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

The information requestedis not held centrally.

We support the practiceof three year funding for the voluntary sector across the public sector and encouragethe use of longer term funding arrangements, where possible, to provide a stableand efficient operating environment for the sector.