Flexibility for recipients of UCpublished at 11:58 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald asks the Scottish government what action it is taking to provide flexibility for recipients of universal credit.
Summary
First up this morning we hear from Professor Anand Menon, who is the director of The UK in a Changing Europe.
The tourism committee takes evidence on the tourism tax from the Scottish Tourism Alliance who have called for more engagement on the issue.
Nicola Sturgeon faces questions to the first minister for the last time before the October recess
Health Secretary Jeanne Freeman delivers a statement on health and care
The government leads a debate on Women and Girls in Sport Week
Flexibility for recipients of UCpublished at 11:58 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Fire service budget increased by £15.5m in 2018-19published at 11:58 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Image source, bbcImage caption, Community Safety Minister Ash Denham
Community Safety Minister Ash Denham explains operational decisions like this are for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
In the budget for 2018-19, spending capacity was increased by £15.5m she adds.
We will continue to press the UK government to return VAT payments, Ms Denham states.
Background: Three Aberdeen fire engines stood down due to staffing problemspublished at 11:58 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Image source, bbcImage caption, An appliance at Central Community Fire Station was not in use on Tuesday
A number of Aberdeen's six full-time fire appliances were stood down due to crew shortages in the last week, BBC Scotland has learned.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said a vehicle based at Central Community Fire Station was not operational on Tuesday, and two from Altens on Wednesday.
It said short-term sickness and planned annual leave were to blame.
Similar staffing problems occurred earlier in the year.
Fire bosses issued an apology in April following several incidents where appliances were "off the run" in the city.
Staff shortages at local fire servicespublished at 11:56 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Tory MSP Dean Lockhart asks what assessment the government has made of the impact of staff shortages on local fire services.
'We need an immigration system that values their contribution to Scotland'published at 11:56 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Image source, bbcImage caption, Migration Minister Ben Macpherson
Migration Minister Ben Macpherson confirms introductory meetings have taken place with UK minister Caroline Nokes.
He commits to working constructively with Ms Nokes to ensure Scotland's migration needs are met.
Ms Mackay raises the cost of the children of immigrants applying for British citizenship.
Mr Macpherson agrees any fees or charges must be "proportionate", adding "we need an immigration system that values their contribution to Scotland."
Background: Call to review 'tens of thousands' immigration targetpublished at 11:55 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Image source, Getty ImagesMPs on the Scottish Affairs Committee have urged the UK government to review its target of cutting immigration to the tens of thousands.
A new report from the committee said cutting migration could hit population growth and the economy in Scotland.
The Home Office argues that the public is in favour of lower immigration, citing the Brexit vote as evidence.
But committee chairman Pete Wishart said the current immigration system was failing to meet Scotland's needs.
The new report echoes similar calls from the Home Affairs Committee and Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who said the target "has never been met and does not fit the requirements of the country".
Immigration questionpublished at 11:55 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
SNP MSP Rona Mackay asks when the Scottish government last spoke to the UK immigration minister.
254 rail stations are wheelchair accessiblepublished at 11:54 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Mr Matheson says 254 rail stations are wheelchair accessible, 45 more than in 2007.
ScotRail provides appropriate alternative transport at no extra charge for inaccessible stations, he adds.
Railway accessibility is a reserved matter, the cabinet secretary states, though he says the Scottish government is funding accessibility work anyway.
Labour MSP Claire Baker highlights the high number of Fife stations which are not accessible.
The minister says the UK government will determine which stations will undergo work.
Background: Disabled former MP stranded after new station's lift failurepublished at 11:52 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Image source, bbcImage caption, ScotRail apologised to Dame Anne for the "disruption" to her plans
In July a disabled former Labour MP was unable to attend a meeting in Dundee after the only working lift in the city's new £38m railway station broke down.
Dame Anne Begg, who uses a wheelchair, said she had to take the next train back to Aberdeen after being unable to leave the platform.
She was offered the train to Leuchars and a taxi back to Dundee, but said she would have missed her meeting.
ScotRail apologised to Dame Anne for the "disruption" to her plans.
Accessibility at railway stationspublished at 11:52 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Tory MSP Jamie Greene asks the government what steps it is taking to improve accessibility at railway stations.
Background: Scottish air passenger duty changes hit snagpublished at 11:52 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Air passenger duty is charged on all flights from UK airports
In 2017 we reported that plans to replace air passenger duty with a discounted alternative were disrupted by legal issues.
The Scottish government wants to replace Air Passenger Duty (APD) with a new devolved Air Departure Tax (ADT) in Scotland from April next year.
However, it said plans to continue exempting journeys from airports in the Highlands and Islands required EU approval under state aid rules.
It is understood that getting this approval could take longer than Brexit.
Transport secretary highlights efforts to secure new air routespublished at 11:50 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Image source, bbcImage caption, Transport Secretary Michael Matheson
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson says improving air connectivity is a priority, pointing to Scottish airports securing new international routes.
The Scottish government will continue to promote Scotland as a destination able to sustain more connections and be used as a hub for connectivity.
On ferries, he says ferry services would be welcome to Scotland but this is for private operators to consider.
Mr Fraser highlights Norwegian pulling out of transatlantic flights from Edinburgh Airport, citing APD cut delays as a reason.
When can we expect progress on this he asks.
Mr Matheson agrees the news was "disappointing", before stating APD is a "defective tax" as it is being passed down from the UK government.
International transport connectivitypublished at 11:47 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser asks what efforts the government it is making to improve international transport connectivity.
Flying unaltered national flags not criminalpublished at 11:46 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Image source, bbcImage caption, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf says this is a matter for Police Scotland, which has confirmed it is not illegal to fly a national flag in an unaltered form.
He offers to give the member contact details for within the police if she has further questions.
Labour MSP James Kelly says it is "outrageous" that waving a Vatican flag might get someone criminalised.
"People's civil liberties are being breached."
Mr Yousaf says the Vatican flag in its unaltered state would not be criminal.
Flags offencepublished at 11:44 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
SNP MSP Sandra White asks what discussions the government has had with Police Scotland regarding the reported list of flags that it could be a criminal offence to fly.
Retrospective assessment may be possible in futurepublished at 11:43 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Image source, bbcImage caption, Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon
Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon confirms no assessment was carried out as it was not required when the scheme was renewed.
Mr Scott highlights community halls are run on a not-for-profit basis and warns removing relief could "close the doors" to such buildings.
Ms Gougeon says the provisions regarding and islands impact assessments have not yet commenced but when they have we can look into a retrospective review if local authorities wish it.
Island impact of withdrawal of water and sewerage chargespublished at 11:41 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Lib Dem MSP Tavish Scott asks whether an islands impact assessment was carried out when it removed the water and sewerage charges exemption for charitable bodies, such as public community halls.
General questions is next...........................published at 11:40 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Image source, PA/Getty Images/Scottish ParliamentComing up.............published at 11:14 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Image source, Scottish Parliament/PAImage caption, This will be the final clash between Ruth Davidson and Nicola Sturgeon for some time.......
First minister's questions will be the last chance to see Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson in the chamber for some time as she goes on maternity leave shortly after.
This will be bookended by general questions before it and a member's debate marking Challenge Poverty Week after.
Image source, SNS GROUP/SFA ROB CASEYImage caption, Scottish Womens' football team qualify for the World Cup
The government provide a 'Health and Care Update', which will be delivered after lunch.
Then debate will highlight Women and Girls in Sport Week for the remainder of the afternoon.
SNP MSP calls for more research and analysispublished at 11:13 British Summer Time 4 October 2018
Image caption, SNP MSP Annabelle Ewing
SNP MSP Annabelle Ewing suggests a lot of assumptions are being made about consumer behaviour and calls for more analysis of places where a tourist tax has been introduced.
Mr Crothall says the tourism core market is making changes to how they holiday due to stretched budgets, pointing to a move to camping or people bringing food into hotels.
The interviews of people in Edinburgh over summer (undertaken by Edinburgh Evening News, external) are not a true account, he argues, noting people come to the city for the experience.
"Scotland can't afford to be in a position where it is seen to be uncompetitive."