1048 results
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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... MoreOpened today -
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)... MoreOpened today -
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... MoreOpened 23 March 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... MoreOpened 20 March 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,... MoreOpened 19 March 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... MoreOpened 17 March 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... MoreOpened 13 March 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... MoreOpened 27 February 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... MoreOpened 27 February 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... MoreOpened 26 February 2026 -
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... MoreOpened 23 February 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... MoreOpened 20 February 2026 -
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... MoreOpened 16 February 2026 -
Supporting children’s learning code of practice
Your response to this consultation should be informed by the refreshed draft Supporting Children's Learning Code of Practice and we recommend that you review this before responding. A summary and an Easy Read are also available. The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 (the 2004 Act) provides the legal framework for identifying and addressing the additional support needs of children and young people who face a barrier, or barriers, to learning. The... MoreOpened 12 February 2026 -
Stop and search code of practice: review
Respect for human rights lies at the heart of our democratic society. Everyone has the right to go about their daily lives without undue interference from the State. When the State is required to intervene — particularly through policing — the State must exercise its powers lawfully, fairly, and with respect for people’s freedoms and dignity. In Scotland, the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 sets out clear statutory policing principles and establishes that the core... MoreOpened 10 February 2026 -
Accelerating home-building in Scotland
The Scottish Government is focused on speeding up the delivery of homes across the country. We urgently need to see more homes built, at a faster pace, now and in the years ahead. Scotland’s planning system must be an active enabler of the good quality development needed. Our planning system is set up to contribute to addressing the housing emergency, through enabling quality homes as a part of quality places with diversity of tenure. On 2 September 2025 the Cabinet... MoreOpened 5 February 2026 -
Delivering Scotland’s air departure tax
The Air Departure Tax (Scotland) Act was passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2017. However, the implementation of Air Departure Tax (ADT) has been deferred since then due to concerns over whether the current Highlands and Islands exemption within Air Passenger Duty (APD) complies with the UK Government’s Subsidy Control regime (and previously EU State Aid). The 2026-27 Scottish Budget announced that ADT will become operational in Scotland on 1 April 2027 following the development of... MoreOpened 29 January 2026 -
The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 Remedial Order 2026 draft proposal
This page gives public notice of the proposed draft Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 Remedial Order 2026 (“the 2026 Proposed Draft Order”) under section 13(3)(b) of the Convention Rights Compliance (Scotland) Act 2001. All observations will be considered by Scottish Ministers. The final date for written observations will be 23 March 2026. As soon as practicable after this date, we intend to lay a statement before the Scottish Parliament together with a... MoreOpened 23 January 2026 -
Scottish Building Regulations: Fire Safety review and Compliance: Call for Evidence
This consultation seeks to obtain the views and opinions of stakeholders on a review of building standards and guidance relating to fire safety, and including work on the compliance plan approach, to help ensure the safety of people in and around Scotland's buildings. The consultation covers three main areas, as follows: the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report recommendations on fire safety, including a fundamental review of Section 2 (Fire) of the Technical Handbooks the... MoreOpened 16 January 2026 -
Draft Infrastructure Strategy 2027-2037
The Scottish Government wants Scotland's infrastructure to be planned and delivered in a way that supports net zero and environmental sustainability, inclusive economic growth and resilient and sustainable places. Our ambition is to create a system that makes best use of existing assets, embraces innovation, and ensures investment decisions deliver long-term public value. Why this matters Infrastructure underpins the services and systems we all rely on, transport, health,... MoreOpened 13 January 2026 -
The future of secure care and the single point of contact (SPOC) for victims in the Children's Hearings System
Secure accommodation is a critical part of Scotland’s child welfare and justice systems. It is for a small number of children whose risks cannot be managed in any other setting and is one of the most intensive and restrictive forms of child care available in Scotland. This consultation seeks views on a transformative future for secure care, and for the children who may need its support, across the following inter-linked issues: The case(s) for the future... MoreOpened 8 January 2026 -
Water services: investing in and paying from 2027
Scottish Water supplies clean water to 97% of households and businesses in Scotland and provides wastewater services to 93%. Scottish Water is a public corporation accountable to the Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament. It is regulated to ensure services are efficient, meet mandatory standards and operate in an environmentally sustainable way. Customers fund these services and ongoing investment through charges collected alongside council tax. Plans for water and... MoreOpened 6 January 2026 -
Extension of Freedom of Information in (Scotland) Acts 2002 (FOISA) to private and third sector providers of care home and ‘care at home’ services
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) gives people important rights to ask for and receive information from government and public services in Scotland. In doing so it places clear obligations on Scottish public authorities to provide people with information about their work. Through this consultation, the Scottish Government is seeking views on whether these rights and obligations should, where possible, be extended to private and third sector (i.e. voluntary and... MoreOpened 5 January 2026 -
Onshore electricity generation: increasing the threshold for applications under The Electricity Act
We are consulting on increasing the 50 megawatt (MW) threshold which determines whether applications for onshore electricity generating stations are decided by Scottish Ministers or by the relevant planning authority. Background In Scotland, applications for onshore electricity generation projects are considered through two different routes. The Scottish Ministers are responsible for deciding applications to build, operate or modify onshore... MoreOpened 30 December 2025 -
Family Law consultation
This consultation seeks views on: Implementing the Scottish Law Commission's recommendations to improve cohabitants' rights following separation Cohabitant's rights where their partner dies without leaving a will Whether the minimum age of marriage and civil partnership should be raised from 16 to 18 and on extending the criminal offence of forced marriage or forced civil partnership Extending the simplified divorce and dissolution procedures in Scotland to include cases... MoreOpened 29 December 2025 -
Scottish Court Fees 2025-2027
This consultation seeks views on a proposal to apply a 3% inflationary increase to all court fees from 1 April 2026, followed by a further 3% increase from 1 April 2027. The proposals set out modest, inflation-linked adjustments over the next two years, with court fee increases scheduled for April 2026 and April 2027. These changes are intended to provide a measured approach to maintaining sustainable funding for the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) while a wider... MoreOpened 23 December 2025 -
Vision for Kinship Care
This consultation is seeking views on the Scottish Government’s working draft vision for kinship care, published on 22 December 2025. The consultation forms the basis for wider engagement and the vision statement will be revised following analysis of consultation responses. What is kinship care? Kinship care refers to situations when a child cannot live safely with their parent(s) and instead lives with someone they already know—such as a relative, close family friend,... MoreOpened 22 December 2025 -
Domestic Homicide and Suicide Review Statutory Guidance
This consultation seeks views on the draft statutory guidance for undertaking domestic homicide and suicide reviews in Scotland. The Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Act 2025 creates a Statutory framework for undertaking domestic homicide and suicide reviews which look to learn lessons following a domestic abuse related fatality. To support the review process, the 2025 Act makes provision for the Scottish Ministers' to issue statutory... MoreOpened 17 December 2025 -
Draft Transport Noise Action Plan (TNAP) 2024 to 2028
A Transport Noise Action Plan is required, by the Environmental Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006 ("the 2006 Regulations"), to be produced on a five yearly cycle, based on the results of the strategic noise maps. The 2006 Regulations requires the Scottish Government to bring about measures which are intended to avoid, prevent, or reduce, on a prioritised area basis, the harmful effects, including annoyance, due to the exposure to environmental noise. This consultation applies to... MoreOpened 17 December 2025 -
Proposals to update the School Premises Regulations
The Scottish Government is consulting on proposals to update the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967 to ensure they reflect the needs of modern education. The current regulations set minimum standards for aspects such as site size, lighting, and ventilation, but they are outdated and do not account for contemporary priorities like digital connectivity and wellbeing spaces. This consultation seeks views on what minimum standards should apply... MoreOpened 16 December 2025
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