Fifth Report - Airports in Scotland

Select Committee
Scottish Affairs Committee HC 601 22 March 2022
Report Status Government responded
Conclusions & Recommendations 12 items (5 recs)
Source View on Parliament website
Government Response (AI assessment · 12 of 12 classified)
Accepted 1
Acknowledged 8
Deferred 1
Not Addressed 2
Clear

Recommendations

3 results
5 Acknowledged
We recommend that the UK Government’s strategic framework for aviation recovery should include: • How...
Recommendation
We recommend that the UK Government’s strategic framework for aviation recovery should include: • How airports in Scotland can increase their passenger numbers and grow their businesses whilst meeting net zero targets and using greener methods of operating; • How … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government recognizes the importance of the aviation sector and supports sustainable growth, highlighting its strategic framework and recent funding for the Airspace Modernisation Programme while emphasizing the 'user pays' principle.
Scotland Office
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7 Acknowledged
Para 45
We welcome the publishing of the Intergovernmental Review on 13 January 2022 and we look...
Recommendation
We welcome the publishing of the Intergovernmental Review on 13 January 2022 and we look forward to seeing how interministerial groups will work together to consider how their separate policies will interact with each other in the future, particularly should … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government shares the committee's view on good communication with devolved administrations, will continue to work in partnership with them, and the Department for Transport will continue its work to learn lessons and improve aviation connectivity.
Scotland Office
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9 Acknowledged
Para 51
Now that we have left the European Union, the Scottish Government and the UK Government...
Recommendation
Now that we have left the European Union, the Scottish Government and the UK Government should work together to resolve any legal issues around the Highlands and Islands exemption as quickly as possible. This will allow for the Scottish Government … Read more
Government Response Summary
The Government acknowledges the recommendation, notes that APD is a UK-wide tax, and that any changes to the Highlands and Islands exemption are a matter for the Scottish Government should they introduce ADT.
Scotland Office
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2 Conclusion Acknowledged
Para 26
Aviation connectivity from isolated communities in Scotland is a necessity. Lifeline services are essential for the transport of essential supplies, for the movement of people for medical appointments and key personnel in the energy industry as well as to support a thriving business community and to grow international exports from …
Government Response Summary
The government shares the committee's view on good communication with devolved administrations, will continue to work in partnership with them, and the Department for Transport will continue its work to learn lessons and improve aviation connectivity.
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3 Conclusion Acknowledged
Para 34
The airspace modernisation programme has the potential to benefit the whole of the UK by making journey times quicker, quieter, and helping to reduce carbon emissions from aviation. We are concerned that this programme, that can offer significant environmental benefits, is at risk of collapse if it is not properly …
Government Response Summary
The government recognizes the importance of the aviation sector and supports sustainable growth, highlighting its strategic framework and recent funding for the Airspace Modernisation Programme while emphasizing the 'user pays' principle.
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4 Conclusion Acknowledged
Para 38
We are convinced that a UK Government-led recovery plan for airports is urgently needed. The paused strategic framework that is being developed by the Department for Transport for the aviation industry to help them recover from the impact of the covid pandemic needs to be published as soon as possible. …
Government Response Summary
The government recognizes the importance of the aviation sector and supports sustainable growth, highlighting its strategic framework and recent funding for the Airspace Modernisation Programme while emphasizing the 'user pays' principle.
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6 Conclusion Acknowledged
Para 44
During the pandemic, the differing policy choices of the Scottish and UK Government had an effect on the financial stability of airports in Scotland as these policies did not always align. Edinburgh Airport maintained that the Scottish Government’s overly cautious approach was confusing for passengers and did not provide the …
Government Response Summary
The government shares the committee's view on good communication with devolved administrations, will continue to work in partnership with them, and the Department for Transport will continue its work to learn lessons and improve aviation connectivity.
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10 Conclusion Acknowledged
Para 54
We received limited submissions about ringfencing the funds raised by Air Passenger Duty for environmental purposes. However, we consider the issue to be worth further investigation.
Government Response Summary
The government notes the committee's consideration of ringfencing Air Passenger Duty for environmental purposes and highlights the role of the Consolidated Fund and the UK's Emissions Trading Scheme in decarbonizing aviation.
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