Guidance for Local Authorities when carrying out their new duties and functions under Part 9 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015

Overview

The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government focuses on the themes of an education system providing opportunities for all, an economy with more jobs and fair work, public services fit for the future, empowering people and communities through strengthened local democracy and safeguarding Scotland’s place in the world.

The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, was brought forward with the aim of empowering our communities by boosting the rights of community bodies and placing new duties and functions on public sector authorities. 

The implementation of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 will help empower communities across Scotland and will increase access to land for food growing purposes, be that on allotments or any other Grow-Your-Own initiatives.

This consultation, developed in partnership by a Tripartite Group consisting of local authorities, the Scottish Allotments & Gardens Society and Scottish Government, represents the next phase of our journey to updating the legislation on allotments.

Much of what is contained within Part 9 can be taken at face value but for those areas where further guidance could be beneficial, we propose what that guidance might look like and ask for your views.

Why your views matter

Part 9 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 brought forward a requirement for local authorities to have regard to any guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers about the carrying out of functions conferred on the authority by this Part.