The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government1 2021/22, commits to: “…safeguard young people within the youth justice system, supporting a presumption against under 18s in the Criminal Justice System, keeping them out of young offenders’ institutions where possible and appropriate, while ensuring that victims receive the support they need. We will bring forward a Children’s Care and Justice Bill to support this transformation”.
The consultation was published on 30 March 2022 seeking views and feedback on policy proposals to inform the development of the Children’s Care and Justice Bill, intended to be introduced to the Scottish Parliament. The Government’s future legislative programme will be set out in the Programme for Government. This consultation covers potential legislative reforms to promote and advance the rights of all children and people who have been harmed. In particular, the objectives of these proposals are to safeguard and support Scotland’s children towards positive outcomes and destinations, especially those who may need legal measures to secure their wellbeing and safety. The proposals have a particular focus on children coming into contact with care and justice services or who come into conflict with the law.
The consultation closed on 22 June 2022, receiving 106 responses to the consultation from a broad range of stakeholders.
The independent analysis commissioned by the Scottish Government has been published.
The responses, along with accompanying workshops, discussions and engagement and other evidence, will inform the Children’s Care and Justice Bill, committed to in the Programme for Government. This Bill, for introduction this Parliamentary year, will help ensure that children who come into contact with the care and justice systems are treated with trauma-informed and age-appropriate support. This includes helping Scotland Keep The Promise by putting an end to placing under-18s in Young Offenders’ Institutions.
On 13 April 2022, the Scottish Government published a consultation seeking views on key aspects of the revised National Strategy for Community Justice, including proposals for four national aims and associated priority actions which the Scottish Government and community justice partners should seek to deliver.
The current model for Community Justice came into operation on 1 April 2017, underpinned by the Community Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 (the Act), which places duties on a group of statutory partners to engage in community justice planning and to report against a set of nationally-determined outcomes.
The Act required Scottish Ministers to produce a National Strategy for Community Justice, which was published in 2016. As per section 16 of the Act, Scottish Ministers reviewed the current strategy by 24 November 2021. Following this review, the consultation analysis report was published and proposals for the revised strategy were developed and consulted on. Once published, the revised strategy will supersede the 2016 strategy.
There were 75 responses to the consultation. Of these the majority (57) were received from groups/organisations, and 18 were received from individuals.
Overall, respondents to this consultation generally supported the national aims for the revised National Strategy for Community Justice. In addition, the majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with all of the priority actions associated with the national aims. Just over half (56%) of respondents felt that the four national aims captured the most important aspects of community justice. Some respondents however felt that parts of the strategy required further clarity and that the aims could include more of a focus on victims of crime, and trauma-informed and person-centred approaches. Where applicable, respondents also provided suggestions for improving each priority action.
There were also several recurring themes mentioned by respondents including reflections on the need for collaborative work and resources to meet the aims of the strategy, and recognition of the need for consistency of access to services, but that flexibility is required for delivery in order to respond to local needs.
The Scottish Government's analysis of responses to the National Strategy for Community Justice: Revision Consultation has been published.
The responses, along with accompanying workshop discussions and engagement and other evidence, have informed the finalisation of the revised National Strategy for Community Justice. The Scottish Government will publish an accompanying delivery plan in due course.
We asked for your views on the Scottish Government's proposals on the Scottish Pubs Code for tied pubs. This included proposals for information to be provided to new tenants and tenants renewing their leases, proposals on rent reviews and rent assessments and proposals on fees and expenses for arbitration.
An earlier consultation sought views on Market Rent Only lease and guest beer agreement proposals as part of the code.
We received a total of 30 responses to the public consultation, with 14 individuals and 16 organisations responding. 6 responses were from tied pub tenants and 6 responses were from pub-owning businesses.
Respondents generally had mixed views on the proposals. There were some differences in views between pub-owning businesses and tied pub tenants.
There was general support for most of the proposals around providing information and advice to new and renewing tenants.
On rent review, pub-owning businesses had concerns about the proposed triggers for the proposed rent reviews, which they often felt were not well enough defined.
On fees and expenses for arbitration, there was broad acceptance on the proposed fee of £250 for arbitration. Some tied pub tenants had some concerns around the expenses for arbitration. The issue here was around striking the right balance between discouraging vexatious cases and encouraging genuine cases.
Progressive Partnership was commissioned to undertake an independent analysis of responses. The report presents the findings from the public consultation and explains the methodology that was used to analyse responses.
Where permission to publish has been provided, the consultation responses are now available to view online.
The responses, together with the analysis report, and responses from the first consultation, will inform and shape the final Scottish Pubs Code regulations.
On 20 December 2021, the Scottish Government invited comments to A New Deal for Tenants - draft rented sector strategy: consultation, which seeks to improve accessibility, affordability choices and standards across the whole rented sector in Scotland.
The consultation closed on 22 April 2022 and in total 8,346 responses were received. Organisations accounted for 172 responses, with 756 responses from individual members of the public. In addition, 7,508 respondents made a campaign-type submission. There were a variety of views in response to the proposals with opinions generally split between the views of respondents identifying as or representing the interests of a private landlord or letting agent and those identifying as or with the interests of a tenant. Views were particularly varied between these groups in relation to proposals related to restricting winter evictions, rent controls and the rights of a tenant to keep pets or personalise their homes.
The Scottish Government commissioned Craigforth to undertake an independent analysis of responses. The analysis report presents the findings from the public consultation and explains the methodology that was used to analyse responses. Where permission to publish has been provided, the consultation responses are now available to view online. The Scottish Government will consider the responses, together with the analysis report carefully and undertake further discussions with key stakeholders to inform and shape the final rented sector strategy and legislation required to implement changes.
On 13 December 2021, the Scottish Government, in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), published a consultation seeking views on key aspects of a new National Litter and Flytipping Strategy in three key strategic themes:
Public events and stakeholders workshops were also held to gather views.
There were 978 responses to the consultation. Of these the majority (892) were received from individuals, and 86 from organisations.
Overall, responses indicate a high level of support for almost all proposed actions within the consultation document.
The Scottish Government's independent analysis of responses to the National Litter and Flytipping Strategy, including an executive summary of key findings, has been published.
The responses will inform the development of a final National Litter and Flytipping Strategy and accompanying action plan.
To inform the development of the Scottish Government’s Resource Spending Review, a consultation was launched on 9 December 2021. The associated paper, Investing in Scotland’s Future: Resource Spending Review Framework, invited stakeholders to provide views on the future of Scotland’s public finances. The public consultation asked six questions covering:
the Government’s suggested priorities for the Resource Spending Review;
the drivers of public spending;
opportunities to maximise the impact of the public sector workforce;
opportunities to achieve the best value for citizens from limited funds;
equalities and human rights impacts; and
future public engagement around Scotland’s public finances.
You provided us with 72 responses to our consultation questions. These included responses from 57 organisations and 15 individuals.
In summary, respondents said:
Respondents generally agreed with the priorities outlined in the Framework, whilst some also made suggestions for additional priorities or specific focuses within the priorities.
Some respondents agreed with the drivers of public spending listed in the review RSR framework while many respondents recommended the inclusion of other drivers of public spending, with an emphasis on climate adaptation and mitigation.
Respondents’ suggestions on how policy interventions can be used to maximise the value achieved from the public sector workforce spanned several aspects with most suggestions focused on investment and financing, the third sector, workforce remuneration, recruitment, retention, training and development.
Some respondents broadly agreed with all the proposed approaches aiming to maximise the positive impact of Scotland’s public spending, while more respondents suggested further approaches centred around policy decisions, administrative actions, financial steps, and issues relating to mental health, and technology, among other aspects.
Several respondents supported the decision to conduct an equality assessment of the Spending Review's findings and provided their views on equality and human rights impacts centred around spending, including on mental health, gender equality, alcohol use, science and education, among other aspects.
Views on how best to continue the engagement featured recurring themes including improving the timing for consultations, including lived experiences in decision making, and the need for diversity of views and deeper levels of engagement.
The information gathered through our online consultation was analysed alongside the output from a programme of external engagement. This analysis was collated into a report, which was published alongside the Resource Spending Review on 31 May 2022. Where permission was granted, responses to our consultation have been published.
The responses to the consultation have informed the outcomes of the Resource Spending Review and development of the plans detailed within that publication. In addition to this, the responses will be used to inform the next steps and reform options outlined in the Resource Spending Review. The full Resource Spending Review can be found here: Resource Spending Review and supporting documents.
The findings of the consultation will also be used to inform the work the Scottish Government, especially Director General Scottish Exchequer, is taking forward to improve transparency and participation in public finances (including in relation to our Open Government Action Plan). This information provided in responses to this consultation will be used to improve our public engagement for future budgets and spending reviews.
We would like to thank all of those who took the time to respond to our consultation and / or participated in our programme of engagement.
On 29 December 2021 the Scottish Government published a consultation seeking views on the range of actions that have been identified as priorities within the refreshed Marine Litter Strategy for Scotland.
These priority actions encompass reducing sources of marine litter, preventing litter reaching the marine environment, and supporting initiatives to remove marine litter.
A total of 220 responses were received to the consultation. The majority (166) were submitted by individuals, and 54 were from organisations.
The vast majority of respondents (both individuals and organisations) agreed or strongly agreed that the planned actions would contribute to the successful implementation of the strategy.
The Scottish Government’s independent analysis of responses to the Marine Litter Strategy for Scotland consultation has been published. This report includes an executive summary of key findings and a response from Marine Scotland Directorate.
All consultation responses will be taken into consideration while the strategy is being finalised.
The next revaluation of non-domestic property in Scotland is due to take effect from 1 April 2023 based on rental values as at 1 April 2022 (the 'tone date'). At revaluation Scottish Assessors review rateable values resulting in a new valuation roll for all non-domestic properties in Scotland. While most rateable values are based on estimated annual rent, around 9% of subjects, accounting for 22% of total rateable value are derived using the contractor's basis method of valuation.
In the contractor's basis method of valuation, the capital value (cost of rebuilding) of a property is estimated, then a decapitalisation rate is applied to give an annual equivalent rateable value.
The purpose of the consultation was to seek views on the prescription of the decapitalisation rate(s) to be used when non-domestic subjects are valued using the contractor’s basis for the 2023 revaluation.
The consultation asked for views on four questions:
We received 13 responses to the consultation. Twelve responses were from organisations and one was from an individual. All of the responses received have been considered.
All of the respondents would welcome continued prescription of decapitalisation rates for the 2023 revaluation, and all respondents either supported or had no objections to there being two decapitalisation rates (standard and lower).
A range of comments were received in relation to the groupings for each of the decapitalisation rates, the decapitalisation rates adopted by other UK administrations, and the methodology used to inform the rates.
A consultation analysis report has been published on the Scottish Government Website.
The responses, together with other relevant information, informed the considerations for the appropriate decapitalisation rates for the 2023 revaluation which have been confirmed at 4.6% and 2.9% for the standard and lower rates respectively. This is also confirmed in Local Government Finance Circular 7/2022: Decapitalisation Rates for the 2023 Revaluation.
A Business & Regulatory Impact Assessment has also been published on the Scottish Government’s website
We asked for your opinion on the Scottish Government’s proposed policy in relation to the Section 52 Regulations (Exemption Order Process) and the Ministerial Directions.
We received a total of 626 responses to the public consultation. Of these, 20 were submitted by local authorities and 3 by Community Councils. 15 other respondents also identified their organisation, and 589 were listed as individuals. All feedback received will help inform the content of the Ministerial Directions and the Section 52 Regulations.
We have published non-confidential responses to the consultation and an analysis of the consultation responses (link below). Preparations are now underway on the Ministerial Directions and Section 52 regulations and the feedback received from this consultation will help shape that process.
The full analysis report can be found here.
The not proven verdict and related reforms consultation launched on 13 December 2021 and closed on 11 March 2022, fulfilling a key Programme for Government commitment.
As well as verdicts, due to the complex and interlinked nature of the jury system, the consultation also sought views on jury size, the majority required for conviction and the corroboration rule.
The consultation attracted a response from a broad range of stakeholders. There were 200 responses to the consultation. Of these, 21 were from organisations and 179 from individuals.
Key findings of the independent analysis of responses included:
The analysis of the responses received can be found here: The not proven verdict and related reforms: consultation analysis - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
We would like to thank all who took the time to participate in the consultation process and contribute their views on these matters, particularly those who have shared their personal experience of the justice system.
An independent analysis of responses to the consultation was published on 12 July 2022 and is available at The not proven verdict and related reforms: consultation analysis - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) as are all non-confidential responses.
Informed by the strength of views offered in the consultation, the 2022-23 Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce legislation to abolish the not proven verdict as part of a package of reforms to the criminal justice system.
The reform to move to a two verdict system in Scotland of “guilty” and “not guilty” will be part of a wider Criminal Justice Reform Bill which will progress the ambition and priorities set out in the Vision for Justice in Scotland of delivering person-centred and trauma-informed practices, including taking greater action to improve the experience of women and children and to hear victims’ voices.
The Bill will also deliver legislative reforms building on the recommendations of Lady Dorrian’s Review on Improving the Management of Sexual Offence Cases, including, amongst a range of proposals, protection of the anonymity of complainers of sexual crimes under Scots law.
The Scottish Government set out an ambition to develop a new Framework for pain services to better meet the need of people living with chronic pain in Scotland. Chronic pain is estimated to affect 30 – 50% of the adult UK population, with an estimated 5% of the Scottish population experiencing disabling, high-impact pain
The draft Framework set out a comprehensive summary of the evidence on the impact of chronic pain. It contained a series of proposed Aims and Commitments which were intended to drive discussion and engagement with stakeholders to inform our approach to service improvement.
The consultation was launched on 6 December 2021 and closed on 28 February 2022. The consultation paper can be found at: Draft framework for pain management service delivery - Scottish Government - Citizen Space (consult.gov.scot)
114 responses were received to the consultation, of which 88 were from individuals and 26 from organisations. Where consent has been given to publish the response it can be found on the Scottish Government’s Citizen Space public consultation portal Published responses for Draft framework for pain management service delivery - Scottish Government - Citizen Space (consult.gov.scot)
There was a very high level of support for the Aims and Commitments set out in the draft Framework from both individual and organisational respondents. We have published an independent analysis of all the response which can be found at Pain management - service delivery framework: consultation analysis - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
A consistent theme which emerged from the feedback included a call for greater clarity and articulation of the specific actions that would be taken to deliver the Aims set out in the draft Framework.
It was highlighted that there is considerable variation in what information and advice is provided to people with chronic pain which should be addressed by the Framework. This included the importance of ensuring all health and care workers have an understanding of the challenges of living with persistent pain so that they provide informed and compassionate care. Feedback was provided on opportunities to improve referral and planning of care as well as suggestions for what services should be accessible for everyone with chronic pain to help them maintain their quality of life.
It was also indicated that greater clarity is required on the range of options that should be considered as part of care planning. Respondents also provided views on how to improve consistency in clinical practice, including a focus on updated clinical guidance, improved education and greater skill-sharing across professional groups.
It was felt that alongside ensuring more consistent advice was provided to patients, there is a need for improved education and training on pain management, and views were provided on what this should include, how it should be delivered and how best to engage both trainee and existing healthcare professionals on this issue. In relation to the data proposals in the draft Framework there were calls to ensuring continued progress to improve quality and transparency of the existing data that is reported.
Respondents to the consultation highlighted the importance of clear leadership and governance arrangements being in place in order to ensure the success of any service improvement initiatives in support of the Framework Aims.
Based on the findings of the independent analysis of your responses, we carried out work during 2022 to review, update and refine the Aims and Commitments which had been set out in the draft Framework. In doing so we have developed a ‘Framework for Pain Management Service Delivery – Implementation Plan’ in order to reflect the urgency for service improvement expressed in the responses to the consultation. This is available to view at: Pain management - service delivery framework: implementation plan - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
In response to the feedback for greater clarity, the Implementation Plan sets out 18 specific Actions we intend to deliver in the next year to improve care, support and services for people with chronic pain. This will provide a clear ‘roadmap’ to guide both Government and stakeholder activity to address the priorities you have identified.
We have developed dedicated Actions to deliver new information resources on NHS Inform and other sources of information, which will be overseen by a dedicated expert working group. We will also work to increase the healthcare workers’ knowledge and skills in supporting people with chronic pain with Actions to establish a Chronic Pain Knowledge Hub supported by NHS Education for Scotland and to promote a ‘pain informed’ approach to care.
We have developed Actions on the challenges people with chronic pain face in accessing the care they need, when they need it. This includes establishing a new pain service managers Network to improve local coordination and planning of services for people with chronic pain. We will also identify, scale-up and roll out best-practice ways of working that have been developed in different Health Board areas to improve care across for people across all of Scotland.
We will deliver Actions to help reduce the unwarranted variation in services and care that people responding to the consultation highlighted. This includes Actions to update existing clinical guidance to drive more consistent and appropriate decisions about care and prescribing of medication for chronic pain.
Actions have also been developed in response to the feedback from the consultation on the need for increase healthcare professional skills on chronic pain, including establishing a new national pain education group. We are also acting to deliver new pain management training pathways. We will respond to calls to improve data collection and reporting through work with Public Health Scotland and delivering national data on pain and its impact through the Scottish Health Survey.
Finally, we have acknowledged the challenges raised in the consultation on ensuring all partners views are heard and involved in national policy and improvement activities. In response to this we have developed new Governance arrangements which are intended to increase coordination, engagement and the pace of action to improve care and services for people with chronic pain.
What evidence is there of the effective regulation of heat in non-domestic buildings?
Respondents provided a wide variety of evidence from both Scotland and internationally of both proposed regulations and the operation of regulations in practice.
We will be using the evidence provided to guide the development of regulations within Scotland. A consultation on proposed regulations for the heat in non-domestic buildings uis planned for summer 2022.
Following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower, London in June 2017 a Ministerial Working Group (MWG) was set up to oversee a review of building and fire safety with two expert review panels being created. One of the panels considered Compliance and Enforcement.
The review panel on Compliance and Enforcement in Scotland concluded that the Scottish system is not broken but that evidence clearly shows there is a need to strengthen compliance, both in relation to statutory procedural requirements and in addressing non-compliant work on site. The review panel concluded that, whilst simultaneously maintaining the core elements of the system, some reshaping would be advised to ensure that it addresses the identified weaknesses. The focus of this reshaping is to improve aspects of the current system and its implementation, not to fundamentally change it.
In 2018 the Scottish Government consulted on the review panels recommendations which have already been accepted as part of the new Compliance Plan process.
The 2021 consultation sought to build on the findings from 2018. The public consultation on Compliance and Enforcement took place between 11 November 2021 and 9 February 2022.
We asked for views on the development of a new Compliance Plan Manager role within the building standards system which will apply to specific High Risk Building (HRB) types, the definition of these HRBs which proposed:
We sought views on the need for new-build low-rise volume house building to follow the same rigorous process as proposed for HRBs following feedback from the Compliance Plan Working Group (WG). The WG considered that the effect of non-compliant housing, where designed energy compliance is not realised on site, may result in a performance gap. This concern was raised given the current climate concerns.
We also sought views on the level of fines where work is not carried out in accordance with building regulations.
We received a total of 91 responses to the consultation, comprising 36 answering as individuals and 55 answering for/on behalf of their organisation. The main points covering each area were:-
Creation of a new Compliance Plan Manager (CPM) oversight role on High Risk Building types on behalf of the Relevant Person (normally the owner or developer);
The majority of respondents (82%) agree with the CPM role as outlined in Annex B of the consultation document, on projects for all High Risk Buildings (HRBs). The strength of agreement is marginally stronger among organisations compared with individuals. The most prominent reason for agreeing with the CPM role is ensuring greater compliance with building regulations, including better compliance in the case of HRBs.
The definition of High Risk Buildings requiring a CPM;
A high proportion of respondents agreed with the proposed HRBs with support ranging from 74 to 96 per cent. The only outlier was in relation to housing sites (low-rise), which received a more mixed response with support at 36 per cent, undecided 40 per cent and those disagreeing 24 per cent. The strength of agreement is marginally stronger among organisations compared with individuals.
Level of penalties/fines relating to enforcement action under the building standards system;
The majority of respondents (84%) confirmed that they have a view on the introduction of a new enforcement power for local authorities to take action on non-compliant work after the acceptance of the completion certificate. Of those respondents providing supporting comments, approximately half expressed general agreement, albeit with some caveats. It was highlighted that the introduction of such enforcement powers would have varying implications for local authorities, including the need to increase staff and/or funding resources, as well as clarifying additional responsibilities.
An analysis of the responses to the consultation is available and responses have been published on the Scottish Government website where respondents indicated permission to do so.
Following the publication of the consultation analysis report and support for the proposals, we are working with industry stakeholders through Working Groups to develop the policy for strengthening the Scottish building standards system and the approach to compliance and stronger enforcement. This will lead to future legislative changes and associated guidance for system users.
The 2021/22 Programme for Government [Programme for Government - gov.scot ] included a commitment to introduce legislation in this parliamentary term to change the way that imprisonment is used, with a consultation on initial proposals relating to bail and release from custody law.
The Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Bill consultation ran for 12 weeks closing on 7 February 2022. It included 32 questions, with a mix of both open and closed questions, allowing for more detailed feedback on proposals. As well as informing development of legislation, the consultation was designed to be a first step in a wider discussion about how custody should be used in a modern, progressive Scotland. The consultation sought views on a range of possible proposals, not all of which have been progressed in the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Bill which was introduced to Parliament on 8 June.
This consultation was separated into two parts: the first part focussed on proposals surrounding bail and remand, and the second part on proposals in relation to the release of prisoners.
The consultation attracted a response from a broad range of stakeholders. There were 142 responses to the consultation, the majority of which were received from organisations (74) and the remainder (68) from individuals. The analysis of the responses received can be found here: Bail and Release from Custody Arrangements in Scotland: Consultation Analysis (www.gov.scot)
Part 1: Bail
There was support for almost all of the proposed reforms to bail law contained in the consultation. Notably just under two thirds of respondents agreed with the proposal that judges should only refuse bail if there were public safety grounds for doing so, however, several expressed the need for greater clarification over the term ‘public safety’. Another concern raised was that some flexibility would be needed to allow for those with repeated breaches of bail and/or repeated failure to appear in order to minimise costs to the public purse of pursuing those with no regard for orders of the court. Over two thirds of respondents agreed that having victim safety as a separate consideration would be compatible with a victim centred approach to justice, however it was also suggested the legislation should be clear about whether risk of harm includes physical and/ or psychological harm to victims. The proposal that time spent on bail with electronic monitoring should be taken into account at sentencing was generally supported, however, it was felt that requiring the court to “have regard to” time spent on bail with electronic monitoring would preserve the discretion of the sentencing court.
Part 2: Release
There was considerably more divergence in the views offered in relation to the consultation proposals around release from custody, with some proposed reforms being almost unanimously supported and others attracting less support. The majority of respondents agreed with the proposal that enabling a prisoner to serve part of their sentence in the community could help their reintegration. There was considerable agreement with the proposal that releases on a Friday (or the day before a public holiday) should be restricted. The vast majority of respondents also agreed or strongly agreed that information on individuals being released from custody can be shared with third sector victim support organisations, however, there were some reservations related to GDPR concerns and prisoners’ rights expressed. Whilst the majority of respondents agreed that a ‘specific duty to engage’ in release planning was required, it was seen as important that this duty involved collaboration between all community justice partners.
Across all of the proposals it was generally felt that key to the success of the proposed changes would be collaborative working (including between statutory and third sector organisations). Overall, subject to refinement and suitable safeguards many of the proposals were seen as potentially contributing to the underlying aim of reducing crime, reducing reoffending and having fewer people experience crime.
The Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Bill was introduced into the Scottish Parliament on 8th June 2022. Further details are available here: Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Bill – Bills (proposed laws) – Scottish Parliament | Scottish Parliament Website.
We would like to thank all who participated in the consultation process. The views offered through the consultation were extremely valuable in helping inform the approach taken in the Bill. Below are some examples of how the policy was affected by the feedback received through the consultation, as well as, other events held during the consultation period:
Part 1: Bail
Part 2 Release:
Only VSOs which have been prescribed by regulations made by Scottish Ministers can be nominated by victims. This will ensure that the policy intention of facilitating better support for victims can be delivered, whilst also helping to ensure the sharing of information about prisoners is carried out in accordance with the law.
On 1 November 2021, the Scottish Government published a consultation seeking views on the newly drafted guidance for Assessment of Wellbeing. The consultation closed on 4 February 2022 and a total of 121 responses were submitted.
Overall, most respondents were very positive about the voice of the child being encouraged and threaded throughout the guidance. Many respondents said that the refreshed guidance reflects and acknowledges the complexities which surround children’s wellbeing on a daily basis and sets out a good framework for supporting and nurturing the young person.
An independent analysis was undertaken and a research findings report written on all responses received across the public consultation. It can be found here.
These responses have informed and contributed to the revised practitioner guidance on Assessment of Wellbeing. It will be published in due course.
The Onshore Wind Policy Statement consultation was launched on 28 October 2021, which includes our ambition that an additional 8-12 GW of onshore wind be installed by 2030. The consultation considered other key themes such as barriers to deployment, positive environmental impacts, community benefits and shared ownership, circular economy and supply chain opportunities.
There was 160 responses to the consultation of which 111 were from organisations and 49 from individuals.
General support from a large minority (including a large number of renewable energy respondents) was expressed in favour of the 8-12GW target. Across all respondent sub-groups there was a broad desire for support to be given to community wind and local ownership of developments.
The Scottish Government’s Draft Onshore Wind Policy Statement Refresh: Analysis of Responses to Consultation has been published.
The responses will inform the finalisation of the Onshore Wind Policy Statement. The Scottish Government will publish a finalised Onshore Wind Policy Statement in due course.
The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (“the 2019 Act”) requires the Scottish Ministers to produce statutory guidance which relates to the provisions contained within the legislation that extend to Scotland. The 2019 Act also requires the Scottish Government to consult on draft guidance before it can publish the final version of the statutory guidance.
Therefore, the purpose of the consultation was to seek views on the draft statutory guidance only. The consultation ran from the 15 November 2021 until the 25 January 2022.
We received 12 responses to the consultation. 3 responses were from organisations and 9 were from individuals. Separate from the online consultation system, we also received one e-mail addressed to the Scottish Government on the draft guidance. All of the responses and correspondence received have been considered.
Most of the responses related to the overall policy contained in the 2019 Act rather than the content and structure of the draft guidance. Only 2 responses (which were from organisations) provided detailed comments on the guidance with another 3 responses providing limited views on the content of draft guidance along with comments on the overall policy. Only one respondent (individual) asked for their response not to be published. We received a variety of comments in relation to the draft guidance. The majority of which fell broadly into the following areas:
We have considered the responses received and made changes where deemed appropriate.
We have also set out the Scottish Government’s response to some specific comments made.
Guidance should cover sections 1 to 5 of the 2019 Act.
As stated in the ‘Overview’ section, the guidance covers provisions in the 2019 Act that extend only to Scotland and others which apply throughout the UK but which have a different effect in Scotland to other parts of the UK. It is separate from similar guidance issued by the UK Government in respect of the 2019 Act. The UK Government’s guidance covers sections 1 to 5 of the 2019 Act in relation to the sale and delivery of corrosive products and other aspects of the 2019 Act (e.g. firearms under Part 6) which extend to Scotland but which relate to areas of responsibility reserved to the UK Government. The two pieces of guidance should be read together for those provisions. The UK Government’s final draft statutory guidance on the 2019 Act was published by the Home Office on 18 January 2022.
As such, it was deemed not appropriate to include guidance on section 1 to 5 of the 2019 Act in the Scottish statutory guidance as these sections are covered by the UK Government’s statutory guidance.
Clarity on age verification/labelling and the delivery to residential premises
Age verification
In order to avoid committing an offence under certain provisions in the 2019 Act relating to remote sale of certain items to under 18s, a seller requires that, amongst other matters, to have in place a system that was likely to prevent purchasers who were under 18. This is an age verification system. The 2019 Act does not prescribe what system should be used in respect of the verification of an individual’s age and there are a range of age verification processes or systems available on the market. Both the UK Government and the Scottish Government are of the view that they do not want to issue standards for systems for electronic age verification. This is because decisions on which systems, or courier/delivery companies, to procure and use to meet the requirements of the law must be a matter for the relevant seller. It will be a defence for sellers to demonstrate that they took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing an offence and this includes the element above relating to a system for checking that purchasers are not likely under 18 . Therefore sellers will wish to decide themselves which system or arrangement works best for them to allow them to rely on this defence.
Labelling
The Scottish Government’s position is similar on the requirements in relation to labelling packages under measures in the 2019 Act. The 2019 Act requires that, where a package is to be collected from a collection point, a package containing a bladed or sharply pointed article, or corrosive product, must be clearly marked to indicate that it contains an item with a blade, a sharp point or a corrosive product and that it should only be delivered into the hands of a person aged 18 or over. The 2019 Act does not stipulate the type of labelling or any of its characteristics, and so sellers will need to determine how best to comply with the labelling requirement.
However, in the draft guidance it stated that, in the Scottish Government’s view, it is unlikely that electronic labels used on handheld signature devices as often used by delivery companies and couriers would satisfy the requirements of the 2019 Act, and that clear and visible labelling will be important for retail and delivery staff and couriers so that they are fully aware that the package contains an article that must not be handed to someone under 18. If the package is not labelled as required by the 2019 Act for the sale of a bladed article, then the defence to the offence of selling a bladed article to a person under 18 will not be available.
Residential delivery
In relation to residential delivery of a bladed product there is no requirement for the package to be labelled but the seller needs to prove that they had procedures in place which were likely to ensure that any bladed product would be delivered into the hands of a person aged 18 or over, and that they have taken all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to ensure that the package has not been delivered to someone aged under 18. The draft guidance states that the seller may be able to satisfy this requirement by following measures in respect of an adequate age verification system, labelled packaging and ensuring age checks are undertaken at the point of delivery.
Clarity on the types of corrosive products and the level of acidity of such corrosive products for an offence to be suspected of taking place
As stated, the Scottish Government’s and the UK Government’s statutory guidance should be read together for sections 1 to 5 of the 2019 Act. This feedback relates to sections 1 to 5.
Within this context, it is noted that a similar point was raised in relation to the UK Government’s draft statutory guidance. As a result, the UK Government incorporated additional guidance into their final version of the statutory guidance. They have suggested that the content of various corrosive products is clarified by manufacturers through the REACH etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 which will be of assistance in helping sellers identify products. It places a specific duty on suppliers (whether manufacturers, importers or distributers) of hazardous chemical substances or mixtures to provide a Safety Data Sheet where the substance or mixture is placed on the market and this allows information to be passed down through the supply chain to ensure that these chemicals are safely managed.
Additions to the guidance have also been made to clarify the relationship between the 2019 Act and the Poisons Act 1972 and these additions remind businesses, who sell or supply regulated and reportable substances, that they must report any suspicious transactions to the national contact point and any significant disappearances and thefts of these chemicals to their local police force.
Clarification on the definition of bladed articles and bladed products
The guidance includes material already in this area.
In particular, it is noted that the 2019 Act builds on existing legislation in relation to a ‘bladed article’ as set out under section 141A of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (“the 1988 Act”) which applies to three separate categories of items: knives, knife blades and razor blades; axes; and any other article which has a blade or is sharply pointed and which is made or adapted for causing injury to the person. These items must not be sold to under 18s.
‘Bladed products’, as introduced by the 2019 Act are a subset of ‘bladed articles’ and must not be delivered to residential premises unless certain conditions are met if sold remotely (online, over the phone or by post). To fall within the definition of a bladed product within the meaning of the 2019 Act the item must have a blade and be capable of causing serious injury to a person that involves cutting that person’s skin. This means that knives that could not cause such an injury will not fall within the definition of bladed product and can be delivered to residential premises.
Most cutlery knives, for example, are therefore unlikely to be considered as bladed products but would be a “bladed article” for the purposes of the 2019 Act and sellers would therefore need to carry out age verification checks, both in-store and online, in relation to sales of these items but they would not be subject to age verification checks on delivery to residential addresses.
We considered carefully the comments made in relation to this issue and were of the view the guidance clearly sets out the differences between a ‘bladed article’ and a bladed product’. We are also of the view the examples provided in the guidance aid the readers understanding of this difference. As such, we felt it was unnecessary to amend the guidance in relation to this point.
We did however, make it clearer in the guidance that it is not an offence to sell or supply a pocket knife to someone under the age of 18 providing that the knife in question has a folding blade which is 3 inches (7.62 cm) or less in length and, therefore, pocket knives are not caught by any of the measures in the 2019 Act.
Other general comments
Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, there is a need to add UK driving licences to the list of prescribed documents. The Scottish Government intends, subject to approval being received from the Scottish Parliament, to add UK driving licences to the list of prescribed documents under the 2019 Act.
The purpose of the guidance is to provide a readily accessible discussion of the key features of the 2019 Act that extend only to Scotland and others which apply throughout the UK but which have a different effect in Scotland to other parts of the UK. This could be helpful for anyone interested in the relevant provisions, but in particular those required to comply with, or enforce, the measures contained within the 2019 Act.
Nothing in this guidance is intended to change how the legislation should be interpreted. It is for those operating the legislation and, ultimately, the courts to interpret the legislation.
As such, the Scottish Government considers that the statutory guidance provides a useful overview of the principles of the 2019 Act, but for obvious reasons cannot specifically cover every potential factual scenario that might arise.
To help inform the development of a Scottish Government Aviation Strategy, we asked for views on what this strategy should include. The consultation focused on four key areas: the transition to low and zero-emission aviation, Scotland’s international connectivity, Scotland’s domestic connectivity and airfreight. We also sought views on what else the aviation strategy should cover.
In total 93 responses were received to the online consultation. 38 responses were from individuals and 55 from organisations, with a broad range of different organisations and interests represented. We also ran four stakeholder workshops to discuss specific consultation topics.
Respondents had different views on what the Aviation Strategy should try to achieve. Some suggested that the strategy should be ambitious in seeking to restore and grow Scotland’s connectivity, taking action to increase Scotland’s competiveness in the global aviation market and responding to the challenges resulting from COVID-19. Others put forward the view that, in the light of the climate emergency, Scotland should not be seeking to restore 2019 levels of connectivity and should instead consider introducing measures to reduce aviation demand. There was, however, broad support for measures to support the development and use of hydrogen/electric aircraft and sustainable aviation fuels that meet strict environmental criteria.
A number of respondents also highlighted the important role that air services play in providing connectivity in the Highlands and Islands and suggested how these could be improved.
Some respondents put forward suggestions for other areas to cover in the Aviation Strategy including noise, surface access (travel to and from the airport) and General Aviation.
We have published non-confidential responses to the consultation and an independent analysis of the consultation responses. The independent analysis of the consultation responses can be found on the Transport Scotland website. It includes the reports of the stakeholder workshops.
Work is now underway to develop the aviation strategy, building on the ideas and suggestions from the consultation as well as relevant Scottish Government strategies and polices.
A number of respondents to the consultation offered to work with the Scottish Government on the next stage of developing the Aviation Strategy. We will consider these offers, alongside what other engagement might be needed, as we progress the work to develop the strategy.
We expect to publish the Aviation Strategy at the end of this year/ beginning of 2023.
We asked for your views on the draft Scottish Pubs Code for tied pubs, specifically on the Market Rent Only lease and guest beer agreement provisions.
We also asked for your views on impacts of the proposals and for comments on a partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment.
We received a total of 34 responses to the public consultation, with 14 individuals and 20 organisations responding. 11 responses were from tied pub tenants and 6 responses were from pub-owning businesses.
Respondents generally had mixed views on the proposals. Tenants broadly welcomed the proposals around Market Rent Only (MRO) leases and guest beer agreements. However, pub-owning businesses had a number of concerns, especially on the unintended consequences of the proposals.
Respondents had mixed views on the proposal to exempt leases from MRO after investments for 5 years; tied pub tenants tended to disagree whilst pub-owning businesses agreed.
On guest beer, some participants felt that the focus in terms of eligible products should be on the type of brewery rather than on the production level of brands of beer.
On the partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) some pub-owning businesses expressed a number of concerns with the partial BRIA.
Progressive Partnership was commissioned to undertake an independent analysis of responses. The report presents the findings from the public consultation and explains the methodology that was used to analyse responses.
Where permission to publish has been provided, the consultation responses are now available to view online.
The responses, together with the analysis report, and the second consultation, will inform and shape the final Scottish Pubs Code regulations which will be laid in the Scottish Parliament in Autumn 2022.
You to share your views about what should be contained in Scotland's new Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan.
A summary of views gathered is available at this link: Suicide prevention strategy development: early engagement - summary report
We are using the report to inform development of the strategy and action plan and will go out to public consultation again in Summer 2022. A link will be provided here when the consultation is live.