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.
We sought views on the investment priorities and charging principles for the period 2021-27.
You were broadly content with the proposed documents. However, there was disagreement with the proposal to alter the single occupant status discount.
Further engagement will be undertaken with the affected demographics and relevant interest groups before any amendments are made to the existing household discounts.
For your views on proposals to maximise the number of homes in the social rented sector attaining Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Energy Efficiency (EE) Rating Band B by 2032. We also asked for your views on proposals for: air quality and environmental impact requirements to be included in the 2032 milestone (from 2025); a floor of EPC Band D as the minimum energy efficiency standard for a house to be let, along with views on when this minimum standard should come into force; a vision for 2040 for social housing’s contribution to realising our fuel poverty, energy efficiency and climate change ambitions; and a review in 2025 to assess progress and confirm any additional requirements of the 2032 milestone or 2040 vision.
We received 66 consultation responses. In general, there was support in principle for the proposal to maximise the proportion of social housing meeting EPC band B by 2032. However, these were qualified by strong concerns, particularly from social landlords, with a number of challenges identified, including:
Most respondents were content with the proposal for landlords to provide a narrative explanation to the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) for stock that cannot be brought up to the 2032 milestone. There is a call for clear Scottish Government guidance on what will be expected of landlords by the SHR.
Most respondents supported the principle of a minimum standard for EPC Band D for social housing from 2025, with a range of responses round the consideration of additional requirements of the 2032 milestone regarding air quality and environmental impact, and the view to including these in the target from 2025. There is also support for the next EESSH Review to take place in 2025.
We published the analysis of the responses on 22 November 2018
https://www2.gov.scot/Publications/2018/11/3023.
We are committed to ensuring that EESSH will support the Energy Efficient Scotland vision for homes and buildings that are warmer, greener and more efficient, with a housing sector that helps to establish a successful, low carbon economy across Scotland.
The EESSH Review Group will now reconvene to consider the consultation analysis and the development of EESSH2, with confirmation of a new standard expected in early 2019.