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.

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 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 Government’s homelessnesstarget is to abolish priority need by 2012. I refer the member to answer to questionS3W-1134 on 26 June 2007. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament’s website the search facility for whichcan be found at:http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search.

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.

Local authoritiesare required to assess the extent and nature of housing need in their areas as partof their Local Housing Strategy and Development Planning processes. The government is currently conducting an exercisewhich is seeking to gain a consistent picture from local authorities of their assessmentsof affordable housing need for their areas, and the evidence which supports this.

A major piece of researchon housing need was conducted for the Scottish government by Professor Glen Bramleyand published in November 2006. This contains analysis of housing need by localauthority area, and at national level. Although the analysis does not examine projectedneed in each of the next four years, it contains projections for 2005, 2006, andat five year intervals thereafter. Further information can be found at:

http://www.communitiesscotland.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/webpages/cs_016551.pdf.

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

The primary purpose of theForth Replacement Crossing study was to investigate the form, function andlocation of a replacement for the existing crossing. The study has alsoreflected on the potential role of two crossings being operated in future.

Any new crossing will beconstructed with a 120 year design life. This assumes a regular and appropriatemaintenance cycle in order to sustain the structure.

The public information eventswill present the facts which underpin the published study reports. Statutoryconsultation will be undertaken as part of the authorisation for the crossing.