Here are some of the issues we have consulted on and their outcomes. See all outcomes
We asked for views on the introduction of electronic invoicing to the Scottish public sector and held a public consultation which was open for 12 weeks from 1st August 2018.
In total 21 responses to the consultation were received: 13 from local authorities; 1 from NHS; 2 from central government; 2 from trade organisations; 2 from suppliers; and 1 from an individual.
All bar one respondent agreed that the introduction of eInvoicing was a positive step and 80% of respondents highlighted some procedural barriers or challenges in the implementation of eInvoicing.
All responses have been fully considered and all non-confidential responses received have been published. The EU Directive 2014/55/EU on Electronic Invoicing in Public Procurement will be implemented through amendment to the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations and will come into force 18 April 2019.
With the Welfare Foods having been devolved to Scotland through provisions in the Scotland Act 2016, the Scottish Government consulted on proposals to help develop an effective and proportionate Welfare Foods package for Scotland.
The responses to the consultation provided a range of contrasting perspectives on what the Welfare Foods package should deliver and what requirements should be included. Overall, respondents were supportive of the proposals included in the consultation.
The Scottish Government is currently considering the content of the responses. This will help shape policy development, and we are engaging with stakeholders throughout this process.
We asked for views on a new enterprise agency for the South of Scotland. We held a public consultation, which was open for 12 weeks from 15 March 2018. During this period we also worked with the South of Scotland Economic Partnership to hold a series of 26 public events across the South of Scotland, where people could share their views and ask questions about the Government’s proposals.
We received a total of 268 responses to the public consultation. 153 came from individuals (57%) and 115 from organisations (43%). Most responses were supportive of our plans to create a new enterprise agency in the South, and for the Scottish Government’s vision for the South of Scotland. We also received many suggestions about areas of priority and focus for the new agency, including infrastructure, good employment opportunities, the creation of a skilled workforce, and more opportunities for young people.
We commissioned an independent analysis of the consultation responses, including views gathered during the 26 public events. You can read this at https://www.gov.scot/Publications/2018/10/9556.
The Scottish Government will be introducing legislation to create the new enterprise agency in the coming months. The responses are being carefully considered to help inform the content of the legislation and shape the structure of the new body.