Open Consultations

13 results

  • Scotland’s Future Catching Policy: selectivity proposals 2026

    As a result of our technical workshops and further stakeholder engagement and following on from our review of current technical measures, innovations, and best practises, the Scottish Government are proposing a number of changes to technical and management measures across Scottish waters. The proposed measures for individual fleet segments are outlined in the consultation document and questions about these proposals will appear in the following sections. The proposals aim to support a... More
    Closes today

  • Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Section 53 of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003

    The Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003 provides detailed rules for the creation and content of real burdens on and after 28 November 2004. A real burden is an obligation on the owner of an area of land, either to do something in relation to that area of land, such as an obligation to erect a house, or an obligation not to do something such as an obligation not to use a house for business purposes. This consultation seeks general views on the Scottish Law Commission (SLC) report on... More
    Closes 15 May 2026

  • School age childcare: a new legal definition

    High quality childcare that is flexible, accessible and affordable plays a critical role in our society. It is vital to giving children the best possible start in life, to supporting families to thrive, and to ensuring that parents and carers can work, train or study. The type of childcare needed by families will change over time depending on the age of the children and individual family circumstances. Broadly, there are two different types of childcare: Early... More
    Closes 18 May 2026

  • Right to breaks for unpaid carers - implementation

    The right to breaks provisions in the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 will make changes to the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 to deliver a right to personalised short breaks support for carers who can’t currently access “sufficient breaks” from caring. In preparing for implementation this consultation seeks opinions on: The definition of the key term, “sufficient breaks” Types of breaks that should be in scope Timescales for preparing adult... More
    Closes 22 May 2026

  • Scottish Biometrics Commissioner: Review of Functions

    Biometrics are a way to measure an individual's physical, biological, physiological or behavioural characteristics to establish or verify their identity. Examples include an individual's DNA profile, fingerprint, image, movement, and speech. Biometrics are considered in law to be sensitive personal information. The use of biometrics for criminal justice and police purposes should therefore balance the benefits it can bring to protecting the public whilst also securing public trust by... More
    Closes 26 May 2026

  • Installation and maintenance licences for heat networks

    The Scottish Government is consulting on proposals to introduce a new installation and maintenance licence for heat networks, using the Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill . The purpose of licensing is to enable heat network organisations to access the statutory rights and powers they require - for example, rights and powers to access land or carry out road works necessary to the installation or maintenance of essential heat network pipework and... More
    Closes 5 June 2026

  • Code of Practice on the exercise of search powers by constables in Scotland (Proceeds of Crime Act 2002)

    Background The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) is a powerful and effective tool in the fight against serious organised crime in Scotland. It gives operational partners in the justice system powers to search for, seize, detain and confiscate the proceeds of crime. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) amends and extends POCA powers, including in relation to the search, seizure and detention of cryptoassets and cryptoasset-related items. ECCTA... More
    Closes 9 June 2026

  • Estimating fraud and error within the Scottish social security system

    Since the establishment of Social Security Scotland in 2018, Scotland has created a social security system founded on dignity, fairness, and respect. The system has grown quickly, now delivering seventeen benefits, including seven unique to Scotland, supporting around one in three people. This represents a major investment in the people of Scotland and our commitment to social security as a human right, essential to the realisation of other human rights. As the system expands,... More
    Closes 10 June 2026

  • A commercial fishery for razor clams using electric current gear in Scottish waters

    Razor clams are a shellfish species residing in sandy habitats in shallow inshore water around Scotland. They have been fished through a variety of methods in recent times, from artisanal hand-gathering on the shore to dredging, and most recently in a scientific trial using electric current. In Scotland, two species are harvested: Ensis magnus and Ensis siliqua. The scientific trial on fishing for razor clams using electric current has been underway since 2018. The Scottish Government is... More
    Closes 12 June 2026

  • Modernising Revenue Scotland’s tax administration framework: communications from Revenue Scotland to taxpayers

    This consultation seeks views on proposed changes that would enable Revenue Scotland to use electronic communications as its default means of communicating with taxpayers. This consultation also explores the case for providing that, where a taxpayer opts out of receiving electronic communications, or is "digitally excluded", Revenue Scotland can serve documents by ordinary post, with associated presumptions of receipt. For the purposes of this consultation, "electronic communication" is... More
    Closes 15 June 2026

  • Proposed West Coast of Scotland Nephrops and North Sea Nephrops Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs)

    The purpose of this consultation is to seek your views on the proposed West Coast of Scotland Nephrops and North Sea Nephrops Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs), their policies and proposed actions. FMPs are documents prepared and published under the Fisheries Act 2020 and they set out policies and actions for the nephrops fisheries designed to restore or maintain the relevant stocks at sustainable levels. They are evidence-based action plans that support delivery of sustainable... More
    Closes 17 June 2026

  • Support provisions for victims of human trafficking in Scotland: published guidance

    Human trafficking and exploitation are serious crimes that cause lasting harm. People who experience trafficking may face physical, emotional and psychological trauma. Ensuring that victims receive the right support at the right time is essential to their recovery, and to Scotland’s wider efforts to prevent exploitation. The Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015 and subsequent Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015 (Support for Victims)... More
    Closes 17 June 2026

  • Protections in the justice system for women and girls

    Violence against women and girls, in any form, has no place in our vision for a safe, strong, successful Scotland. That is why the Scottish Government remains committed to ensuring the necessary steps are taken and, where needed, new tools are made available to address violence against women and girls. This consultation focuses on the potential role that changes to criminal law can play in preventing and addressing violence against women and girls. In the... More
    Closes 19 June 2026
13 results. Page 1 of 1