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The system of charges levied for use of electricity distribution networks is the responsibility of the independent regulator, Ofgem, who lead formal consultations on that matter. As referenced in the answer to question S4W-30367 on 23 March 2016, Ofgem published a report on regional differences in network charges in October 2015, which explains their rationale for the current cost-reflective charging framework.

Scottish Ministers have regular discussions with a range of stakeholders concerning all matters that affect energy costs and fuel poverty issues, including from time to time issues surrounding network charging. For example, ministers met with members of the Convention of the Highlands and Islands on 7 March 2015 and as an action arising from that meeting Ofgem and National Grid will be invited to brief members of the convention on network charging issues at the next meeting in the autumn.

All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:

In line with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics the publication month was set by the responsible statistician, and was announced in October 2015.

An announcement on the new islands strategic group, including its membership will be made later in summer 2016 following discussions with elected members, local communities, local authorities and other key stakeholders.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-00157 on 1 June 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: .

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-00157 on 1 June 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: .

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-00157 on 1 June 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: .

<>I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-00157 on 1 June 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: .

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-00157 on 1 June 2016. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: .

The Scottish Government is committed to continuing to support the food and drink industry, which has achieved great success in recent years. We will engage with key stakeholders, including businesses and organisations on how the £5 million investment fund can promote island, rural and regional food and drink produce, and support rural communities and the reputation and growth of the Scottish food and drink sector.

The Scottish Government has already committed £1.6 million to support local food and drink until June 2018 and £700,000 to support the seafood sector until March 2017. We also contribute to the £1 million per year core costs of the industry leadership body, Scotland Food and Drink, and are a contributor to the Scotland Food and Drink export plan.

There is a further £70 million of Scottish Government and EU support available over the period of 2014 to 2020 to support projects approved under the Food Processing, Marketing and Cooperation Grants Scheme and up to 107 million euros under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to deliver on sustainable economic growth in the sea fisheries and aquaculture sectors (including data collection and compliance), and assist communities to deliver economic benefits during the transition phase of the common fisheries policy reform programme.

In March 2015, the UK Government confirmed that the full costs of the cross-subsidy for Shetland would be spread over Great Britain from the date at which the new energy solution for Shetland is implemented. This change will have the effect of reducing costs for all consumers in the North of Scotland and that is welcomed by Scottish Ministers. Further, in December 2015, the UK Government set out its intention to retain both the Hydro Benefit Replacement Scheme and the Common Tariff Obligation in their current form.

However, energy consumers in the North of Scotland will continue face some of the highest energy bills in Britain, with severe fuel poverty currently affecting many households in the Highlands and Islands. Regional differences in network charges are only one part of a range of complex issues underlying fuel poverty and we have commissioned the Scottish Rural Fuel Poverty Task Force to examine the issues around fuel poverty in rural areas and make recommendations. We look forward to a report of their findings and proposals later in 2016.