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Local authorities have a duty under the Act to exercise their flood risk related function, including taking forward a flood protection scheme, with a view to reducing overall flood risk. Flood risk management decisions should be underpinned by an appraisal of economic, social and environmental impacts, and proper consideration of risks and uncertainty.

Statutory guidance on Sustainable Flood Risk Management sets out an overarching outcome that flood management actions being undertaken will stand the test of time and be adaptable to future changes in the climate. However, the Scottish Government does not specify design standards for new flood protection schemes. It is for the local authority to decide on the standard of protection for a proposed scheme based on social, economic and environmental factors. The approach should be risk-based, linking benefits to costs with the aim of maximising the reduction in overall risk.

The Reporter will conduct a public local inquiry in accordance with the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) 2009 Act. The Reporter will consider the Council's proposals and the objections made and will then make a recommendation to Scottish Ministers as to whether the proposed scheme should be confirmed, with or without modifications, or rejected.

The procedures for Public Local Inquiries (PLIs) are designed to ensure that the public don’t need legal representation to participate. In common with PLIs brought forward under other legislation, parties participating in an inquiry will be expected to meet their own costs. The Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) will be responsible for costs relating to the reporter, the venue and any costs associated with advertising the inquiry arrangements.

Most flood protection schemes, by their nature, will result in flood water displacement but the aim of a scheme should be to reduce overall flood risk.

The Scottish Government was disappointed to learn of the closure of Marshalls Stancliffe Stones, Locharbriggs earlier this month which I appreciate will be of major concern to the individuals affected, their families and the local economy.

The company has not responded to Scottish Enterprise’s offer of engagement and support, although they accepted limited support from our Partnership Action for Continuous Employment (PACE) initiative for employees faced with redundancy. I understand, to supplement the support sought from PACE, the company provided in - house support to staff made redundant and also employed a private outplacement company.

Direct investment and support to the food and drink sector in Scotland from the public sector equates to approximately £100 million per annum across a range of areas including skills, education, research, industry development, standards and capital investment. This funding is provided on a national basis, and is therefore not broken down by local authority area.

Information by area on awards made by the Scottish Government to support capital expenditure in the food and drink industry through the Food Processing Marketing and Co-operation Grant scheme, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, and the European Fisheries fund can be accessed at the following website links:

Connect Local, Scotland’s Local Food and Drink Advisory Service, funded by the Scottish Government provides support to build connections between local producers and entrepreneurs, micro-businesses and SMEs by offering specialist advice for enterprises with limited experience of marketing local food and drink. In doing so it works to improve communication within the supply chain to help deliver stronger working practices between suppliers, processors, sellers and consumers. The service is available across Scotland and anyone seeking advice should visit

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-14572 on 26 February 2018. 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-14572 on 26 February 2018. 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-14572 on 26 February 2018. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at: .