Claw back subsidy payments for NorthLink contract: FOI release

Information requested

A subsidy claw back provision is included in the 2019-27 contract for Northern Isles Ferry Services.

Could I please find out how much claw back provision has been returned to the Scottish government/Transport Scotland since the start of the contract?

Could have this information broken down year by year?

For each year, please state the reason why the clawback was provided.

If possible, could you say what that money is used for? E.g. is it reinvested in other aspects of the ferry service?

Response

In your request you state "A subsidy claw back provision is included in the 2019-27 contract for Northern Isles Ferry Services". For clarity, the Northern Isles Ferry Service Contract runs 2020-2028, therefore information provided is from 2020 onwards.

During Contract Year 1 (July 2020- June 2021) and Contract Year 2 (July 2021 – June 2022) there was no 'claw back'.

Any Sums Due represent part of the Support for Ferries Services budget and are managed within the wider context of inflationary pressures on expenditure, including harbour dues and increasing fuel costs.

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