We Asked, You Said, We Did

What the impacts were of the measures put in place for UEFA EURO 2020, which took place in 2021.

 

How the measures that are likely required by UEFA for EURO 2028 could affect businesses.

 

What kinds of measures and exemptions would be most appropriate.

In summary, there was general support for the proposed measures to protect commercial rights for EURO 2028. The most common view was that there would not be a noticeable impact on respondents. Benefits to consumers were often noted. Planning and communication to help people prepare for, and mitigate adverse impacts, were encouraged.

 

Key themes raised by respondents included:

 

Street Trading

 

The most common view was there had been no or little impact from the street trading restrictions for EURO 2020. Similarly for EURO 2028 the most common theme was there would be no or little impact.

 

A few respondents highlighted potential impacts on businesses. This included the need to provide information and guidance on the measures or having to relocate temporarily.

 

Potential positive impacts were also mentioned. These included minimised unauthorised trading and improved consumer rights and confidence.

 

There was no consensus as to whether any exemptions or other measures should be applied to help manage adverse impacts of street trading.

 

More broadly, respondents called for advance planning to help businesses prepare for EURO 2028.

 

Other comments included one call for the restrictions to apply to pedlar certificates too. This was due to a rise in issues related with these.

 

 

 

 

Advertising

 

Fewer respondents were aware of advertising restrictions for EURO 2020 than for street trading restrictions.

 

Again, the main view was that these same measures would have no impact for EURO 2028. Impacts on businesses, such as restricting their ability to advertise, was the second most common theme.

 

Just over half of respondents did not feel there were appropriate exemptions or other measures that should be applied.

 

There were some calls not to apply advertising restrictions to charities or community groups.

 

Ticketing

 

The most common view was that ticket touting laws for EURO 2020 had no impact on respondents. Respondents were most likely to feel the same would be the case if similar laws are used for EURO 2028.

 

Some respondents highlighted positive impacts for visitors arising from the ticketing proposals. This included visitors having less contact with ticket touts or inadvertently buying unauthorised tickets.

 

Some suggested exemptions. This included tickets sold for charitable purposes.

 

There were mixed views around which level of penalty was most appropriate. Most commonly there was uncertainty around the level that would be appropriate. Higher penalties were more likely to be supported than lower ones. Some felt the penalty should be proportionate to the situation or amount made by ticket touts. A few felt the penalty should be publicised and act as a deterrent.

 

Community impacts

 

A range of other community impacts were highlighted beyond the scope of the proposed legislation. These included:

 

• the most common theme was that EURO 2028 may impact vulnerable people or disabled people. One organisation noted these groups were more likely to be the target of scams;

• the impact on communities of littering and noise during EURO 2028;
• over-crowding and the impact this has on aspects like commuting to work for communities; and
• parking issues for residents or their carers

 

Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA)

 

One organisation called for greater clarity about the proposals. This was because it was difficult to give a clear response until the “location, proximity or duration” of restrictions were known. They called for further consultation once these had been identified. This organisation also preferred Option 3 of the BRIA – bespoke EURO 2028 legislation that was proportionate and limited. This was also the Scottish Government’s preferred option.

 

Another organisation felt the BRIA was useful in contextualising the proposals. They also highlighted the importance of maintaining consumer trust.

 

Other views

 

There was a call from an events organisation for the principals of the legislation to apply to all mass gatherings including music events. This view was shared by an individual who felt existing, as well as new and one-off events, should be supported. This was due to the wide-ranging positive impacts on Scotland of events.

 

In terms of street trading, there were concerns around the negative impact poor quality goods have on the consumer experience. There was a call for strengthened consumer rights to help address this. One individual felt the proposals would mean less choice for the consumer, though did not expand on why they thought this.

 

There were also concerns about the loss of business to those with premises in and around event zones or who advertise in these areas. It was highlighted that sometimes local businesses do not benefit from events like EURO 2028 with most benefits being felt by those in city centre locations.

 

In relation to the broader regulatory context of events in Scotland, there were calls for more preparatory work. This included engaging with and providing information to stakeholders and groups that may be affected. It also included reviewing legislation around the governance of events to make sure it is fit for purpose.

The Scottish Government is grateful to those who took the time to write a response to the UEFA EURO 2028: commercial rights protection – public consultation. We are also grateful to those who came to the supporting virtual and in person events. We would like to thank the partners who supported the public consultation, in particular Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life.

 

There were 26 responses to the consultation. The Lines Between has analysed the consultation responses. This is now available. Individual and organisation responses are also available where permission has been given.

 

The need for effective communications to under-pin the proposed legislation has come through strongly in the public consultation. Glasgow City Council will lead on a Communication Plan to help ensure that those potentially affected by any commercial rights protection legislation for EURO 2028 have access to all the information they need as early as possible. This will include guidance for street traders and pedlars in accessible formats.

 

There were calls for exemptions to the proposed legislation, including for charities. We are considering whether these – and any other exemptions – might be applied to the proposed legislation for EURO 2028.

 

There were mixed views on the level of fine for ticketing touting. We continue to work with lead partners to explore the pros and cons of an increased fine for this offence during EURO 2028.

 

The need to consider pedlars came across in the consultation. It also came up in related engagement with lead bodies. This is being factored into development of street trading restrictions.

 

Community impacts of EURO 2028 were highlighted. This included on vulnerable groups, such as older or isolated people, or disabled people. One organisation noted these groups were more likely to be the target of scams. We have also heard the concerns raised on littering, anti-social behaviour and traffic management issues. These are important points but they are beyond the scope of the proposed legislation. We have therefore highlighted these issues to the relevant authorities for further consideration.

 

Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024-2035 aims to build on the events industry’s many achievements to date. The refreshed strategy aims to provide a strategic focus for all those involved in planning, securing, supporting, and delivering events of all sizes in Scotland. Under the priority theme of quality planning and delivery the Strategy also identifies a potential action to further examine and develop the future regulatory context for events to support an optimal environment for the delivery of this strategy, taking into account best practice from around the world. Relevant feedback from this consultation will inform the detailed action plan for the strategy that is being developed. This will regularly be monitored by the Event Industry Advisory Group.

 

The UK Government is launching a consultation in the autumn to explore options for introducing new consumer protections in relation to ticket resales. The Scottish Government continues to liaise closely with lead UK Government Departments on how issues in the ticket resale market can be tackled effectively across the UK including any legislative considerations.

 

The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2024-25 was published on 4 September 2024. This included a Bill to put in place commercial rights protections to meet UEFA’s requirements for hosting EURO 2028 matches in Scotland.

 

The analysis of all responses to the consultation have been carefully considered. Scottish Ministers will take these views into account in their decision-making.

 What is your view on the proposed TAC level for Clyde herring in 2024?

A range of responses were recieved, as can be found in the outcome report.

Having considered the best available scientific information, the wider obligations and analysed all responses submitted through the consultation process, the TAC for 2024 has been recommended to the UK Secretary of State at 583 tonnes. This is a rollover of the 2023 TAC and retains the existing management measures.

We asked for your views on increasing court fees in Scotland. 

23 responses from individuals and organisations were received. A list of published responses can be found in the Published Responses section below.

An analysis of the consultation and response from the Scottish Government will be published shortly. The Scottish Government intends to implement the proposals set out in the consultation. We have taken all of the comments and suggestions made as a result of the public consultation into consideration when preparing the Scottish Statutory Instruments which have been drafted in order to implement the fee increases.

The public consultation sought views on a range of proposals to support improvement in the delivery of planning services, including smarter ways of working, getting more people to consider a career in planning and alternative approaches to financing.

140 responses were received from a wide range of stakeholders, of which 113 were from groups or organisations and 27 were from individual members of the public.

View a summary of responses to the consultation. 

Where permission to publish has been provided, the consultation responses are now available to view online.

We are currently considering the responses to the consultation and will provide an update on next steps when the Scottish Parliament returns after recess.

For your thoughts on our proposals for regulations to enable amendments to the development plan – both the National Planning Framework (NPF) and Local Development Plans (LDPs).

Positive and constructive feedback was received for each part of the proposed regulations. 

We have taken account of all the responses received and are using these to inform the development of the final regulations and accompanying guidance. Our summary report following your feedback is available here: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781836016922

The public consultation sought views on the proposed regulations on the procedures to prepare Masterplan Consent Areas (MCAs).

The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 establishes the principles for establishing MCAs, but regulations are required to set out the detailed procedures to enable planning authorities to use this new consenting mechanism. MCAs will allow planning authorities to take a place leadership role, by proactively consenting the type and quality of development they wish to see in their places.  

The consultation set out the proposed procedures and included two sets of regulations: the first covering the main process for making MCA schemes and secondly separate regulations covering Environmental Impact Assessment provisions for MCAs.

62 responses were received from a wide range of stakeholders, of which 57 were from groups or organisations and 5 were from individual members of the public. Respondents were generally supportive of the proposed regulations and there was broad agreement that the regulations should be kept to the minimum necessary.

View a summary of responses to the consultation. 

Where permission to publish has been provided, the consultation responses are now available to view online. We took account of the responses, which have informed the development of the final regulations.

We asked for your views on the implementation of the prohibition of the sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland.

A list of published responses can be found in the Published Responses section below.

A summary of consultation answers and the government response has been published on the Scottish Government website. The document can be found here: Single-use vapes consultation: SG response

We sought views on the draft Scottish National Adaptation Plan 3 (SNAP3) 2024-29, which sets out out how we intend to support the people of Scotland prepare for and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Consultation on the draft Adaption Plan (SNAP3) opened on 31 January 2024 and closed on 24 April 2024.

The consultation asked 32 questions, on a broad range of issues, around:

• Lived and local experiences of climate change;
• The Plan’s 5 outcomes of Nature Connects; Communities; Public Services and Infrastructure; Economy, Business and Industry and International Action;
• Enabling factors, such as monitoring and evaluation and responsible, private investment;
• The possible effects and outcomes of the Adaptation Plan on people, businesses, and communities and how to avoid any unjust negative impacts, to inform our impact assessments. 

A total of 240 responses were received, triple the number from the previous Adaptation Plan. 131 (55%) responses were submitted by individuals and 109 (45%) were submitted by or on behalf of a broad range of organisations.

In response to the consultation respondents:

• Highlighted concern for the adverse economic impacts of climate change, including rising costs and disruptions to key services and supply chains, and the importance of adequate financial support, as well as public and private investment; 
• Expressed concerns around declines in biodiversity and a decreased resilience of natural ecosystems, and supported enhancing green spaces, restoring natural habitats such as forests and peatlands, and improving waterway management;
• Called for strengthening the resilience of infrastructure and public services, including coastal and flood defences, public transport networks, energy systems and public utilities;
• Emphasised collaborative action within and across the public and private sectors, including for the Plan to facilitate multi-stakeholder platforms and partnership networks;
• Highlighted the importance of empowering communities to participate in climate adaptation efforts and of community-based initiatives as important ways to build resilience;
• Raised the importance of raising awareness and increasing education on the impacts of climate change in Scotland; 
• Sought increased integration of health considerations into the Plan to protect and improve the mental and physical wellbeing of communities, especially for populations most vulnerable to climate impacts; 
• To support or incentivise more investment in adaptation action, there was support for the approaches proposed in the draft SNAP3, notably grant funding schemes to help offset risks associated with adaptation investments;
• Most respondents from organisations supported the proposed approach to monitoring and evaluating progress of the Adaptation Plan. Suggestions were raised for additional outcome indicators in the monitoring framework, such as socio-economic measures and added environmental indicators.
• Mixed viewpoints were shared on the Plan’s impacts on children’s rights and Island communities, but respondents hoped the Plan would lead to a safer living environment and improve overall standard of living.

A comprehensive, independent analysis of responses to this consultation was undertaken by Alma Economics and is now published on Gov.Scot. Where permission to publish has been provided, individual and organisational consultation responses are also available to view.

The responses to this consultation have directly informed policy development for the final Adaptation Plan, including but not limited to:

• Integrating an increased focus on action to support coastal communities and progressing commitments to support community-led action in the Plan’s outcome on Communities;
• Maintaining an emphasis on action to protect and enhance nature including nature-based solutions, as a key means of supporting resilience, in the Plan’s outcome on ‘Nature Connects’;
• Committing to expand regional adaptation partnerships and to further guidance and support to help public services and infrastructure operators understand future climate scenarios;
• Increasing educational resources, including the development of children’s version of the final Adaptation Plan to support learning;
• An increased focus on action to manage supply chain vulnerabilities for food and vital goods, mobilise increased responsible private investment, as well progressing proposals for business support in the Plan’s outcome on Economy, Business and Industry;
• Integrating a greater focus on the relationship between climate and health, including mental health and wellbeing, across the Plan;
• Developing a robust approach to monitoring and evaluation, including ideas for effective data sources.

The Scottish Government intends to publish a final Adaptation Plan 2024-29 which in informed by the findings of this consultation, a suite of impact assessments and stakeholder engagement in Autumn 2024.

We sought views on the draft national Good Food Nation Plan. The consultation opened on 24 January 2024 and closed on 22 April 2024.

The consultation asked 35 questions about the Plan including on the national Good Food Nation Outcomes, ways of measuring progress and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also sought views on specified functions.

The consultation was conducted with regard to the importance of communicating in an inclusive way, and the importance of effectively engaging with children and young people.

452 valid responses were received to the consultation paper, of these 281 were from individuals, and 171 were from organisations. A series of stakeholder engagement workshops were conducted, with ten workshops delivered in-person at locations all over Scotland and five online. Additionally, a resource pack was developed and distributed to schools with the aim of engaging children and young people with the consultation. Over 1000 responses were received from children and young people as a result of this activity.

Across all respondents, views were generally positive about the draft national Good Food Nation Plan. A majority of respondents agreed with each of the six Good Food Nation Outcomes. Respondents were given the opportunity to provide further feedback on each proposal. Following qualitative analysis, these views have been presented via emerging themes. These included concerns regarding how the Outcomes, targets and indicators would be measured, monitored and evidenced. Additionally, there were concerns raised regarding the funding and resources required to implement the Plan. These responses will be considered by policy leads during further policy development.

The Scottish Government is grateful to those who took the time to provide a response to this consultation. We commissioned an independent research company to undertake an independent analysis of all responses received to the consultation and during the consultation events. The consultation analysis report was published on 27 September 2024 and presents the findings from the public consultation and explains the methodology that was used to analyse the responses. 

Where permission to publish consultation responses has been provided, the responses are now available to be viewed on Citizens Space.

We have been using the responses to the consultation to help inform the national Good Food Nation Plan, including amending the draft to reflect the feedback received in the consultation. The amended draft will be laid before the Scottish Parliament for their consideration and comment. This will be accompanied by a statement outlining the steps taken to consult, and how the responses have been considered. The Scottish Parliament will have an opportunity to consider and comment on the draft Plan before final publication.

We asked for your views on proposals for a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill.  The consultation covered potential legislative changes to protect, respect and champion the rights of people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people. Proposals covered a wide range of areas of life such as justice, health and education.

The consultation opened on 21 December 2023 and closed on 21 April 2024.

877 responses were received across the 4-month consultation period.  Of that, 609 responses (69%) were from individuals or groups of individuals, and 268 (31%) organisational responses. 

Overall, the evidence supported the need for improvements across a range of systems to support better outcomes for neurodivergent people and people with learning disabilities. The analysis demonstrates a diverse range of views across several of the proposals that were consulted on, and additional suggestions were put forward.

We are grateful to everyone who took time to share their views and provide a response to this consultation.

An independent analysis commissioned by the Scottish Government was published on 26^th August 2024.

The consultation analysis report, was accompanied by a standalone Executive Summary, two Easy Read documents as well as audio and BSL video.

We are carefully considering what we have heard during the consultation process to help inform development of the LDAN Bill.

The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government (PfG) 2024-25 announced our commitment to continuing to develop proposals for the Bill and that we will also publish draft Bill provisions.

We sought views on the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018: proposed amendments. The consultation opened on the 15 December 2023 and closed on 30 March 2024.

We received 50 responses to our consultation questions. These included responses from 42 organisations and 8 individuals.

Respondents were generally supportive of:

• the proposals on the technical provisions relating to water, waste, and industrial activities;
• the four proposed new activities and changes to the process in relation to the public consultation and call-in procedure;
• the various amendments to the common procedures in the 2018 Regulations and technical provisions for radioactive substances activities.

A full analysis of the consultation is available on the Scottish Government website.

The analysis of responses received has been published, along with the individual responses (where permission was granted). The Scottish Government intends to implement the proposals set out in the consultation to amend the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018. We will now take all the comments and suggestions made as a result of the public consultation into consideration when preparing the Scottish Statutory Instrument.

We sought views on draft Guidance on inclusive design for town centres and busy streets. The consultation opened on the 9 January and closed on 29 March 2024.

There were 57 responses submitted to the consultation which consisted of those from individuals (27) and organisations (30). There was broad support for the Principles set out in the guidance. Analysis of the responses has been carried out and that report is now published.

• Analysis of Consultation responses to the Draft Guidance for Inclusive Design of Busy Streets and Town Centres
• Easy Read version of the above

The responses will inform the working group as to whether any of the Principles require consideration for further review. The Principles will inform future guidance with updates on any existing related guidance e.g. Designing Streets, Cycle by Design and Roads for All, where appropriate. Officials will also share these Principles with other public bodies to consider embedding these Principles into their current and future guidance for planning and design of shared space.

We sought views on the proposed priority and further actions within the Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030, to accelerate more sustainable use of our resources in Scotland, support delivery of a circular economy to 2030, and reduce emissions associated with resources and waste. The consultation opened on the 18 January 2024 and closed on the 15 March 2024.

There were 156 responses to the consultation from individuals (43) and organisations (113).

Across the consultation most respondents agreed or strongly agreed with each strategic aim, and respondents provided constructive feedback on the proposals and associated impact assessments. There were consistently high levels of support across the Route Map’s strategic aims*:

• 77% agreed with the Reduce and reuse priority actions. 71% agreed with its further actions
• 76% agreed with both the priority and further actions proposed within Modernise recycling
• 78% agreed with both the priority and further actions proposed within Decarbonise disposal
• 76% agreed with the Strengthen the circular economy priority actions. 81% agreed with its further actions.

*The percentage of respondents who answered ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ when asked the extent to which they agreed with the proposed actions set out under each of the strategic aims.

Responses to the consultation have been published, and you can find a link to the independent analysis of the consultation responses here https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781836015611. Ahead of the publication of the final Route Map later in 2024, we’re carefully considering all feedback to ensure our transition to a circular economy works for Scotland’s businesses, public sector and communities and helps us reach our net zero ambitions.

We asked for your feedback on the draft Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (Scotland) Regulations 2024.

A list of published responses can be found in the Published Responses section below.

A summary of consultation answers and the government response has been published on the Scottish Government website. The document can be found here: Draft Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 consultation: SG response - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

We asked for views on the operation of the Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Services. This was an opportunity for those who have advocated for change, including aspects such as improved resilience, greater transparency, better communications, responsiveness, service flexibility, and increased certainty for communities and service-users, to directly contribute to the contract development process.

In total, 434 responses to the consultation were received, Most of the responses were submitted by individual members of the public. There were also 41 responses from organisations, including Ferry Community Boards and Ferry Committees. Community Councils and Development Trusts (the two largest groups with eight and seven respondents respectively) also contributed responses.

Respondents expressed views about the ferry services within the Clyde and Hebrides area. A recurring theme was the unreliability of the services, particularly in relation to timetable changes, reduced services, and last-minute delays or cancellations. This has led to a perception of the service being at a crisis point.

Communication issues were also highlighted, with instances of passengers not being informed about cancellations until the last minute. It was stated that the unreliability of the services has caused difficulties for commuters and those needing to attend important appointments, in addition to creating challenges for businesses, affecting the movement of goods and staff.

Despite these concerns, the vessel crew and port staff were often commended for their resourcefulness, resilience, and responsiveness, embodying the qualities desired for the entire CHFS operation.

The consultation responses have been carefully considered and CalMac is working collaboratively with Transport Scotland on a range of improvement measures.  We will continue to engage with communities, unions and businesses to update them on the consultation outputs, and planned service enhancements in relation to the issues raised; this includes working with CalMac to proactively roll out an Enhancement and Change Plan.  We will be hosting in-person community engagement events  alongside webinars to discuss the next steps for the service.  Further updates will also be made available via the CHFS3 website as they become available.

We asked for your views on Community Learning and Development (CLD) in Scotland. We asked learners, potential learners, practitioners and stakeholders of CLD what they think is working well and what could be done better.

We did this to help the Independent Review of CLD provide information and recommendations to the Scottish Government relating to measuring outcomes delivered through CLD, delivering positive outcomes and improved life chances for marginalised and vulnerable learners and a suitably professionalised CLD workforce equipped to deliver high quality outcomes for learners.

We received a total of 1140 responses on Citizen Space, of which 717 were from learners and potential learners and 423 were from practitioners.

Awareness and visibility of CLD was highlighted as a key issue. Respondents suggested that awareness can be limited by CLD being a poorly defined sector and having insufficient policy profile. There were calls for better communication to improve awareness of CLD provision, and especially around the positive impacts being delivered.

Poor awareness of CLD opportunities was also highlighted as a particular issue for people who want to access learning. Respondents suggested that access can be easier for those who have already engaged with CLD and who are aware of local opportunities. Reaching those who might benefit from CLD but who have not yet engaged with services remains a challenge. 

Flexibility of learning provision was seen as a key strength for CLD, especially in terms of making opportunities as widely accessible as possible. However, respondents referred to multiple barriers to access. These included access to and cost of transport, digital exclusion, and maintaining CLD alongside other time commitments. Funding challenges were also highlighted as impacting the CLD workforce and learner journey.

Practitioners were clear about the positive outcomes they deliver for learners, and the contribution that CLD makes to national policy priorities. However, there was a perception that CLD is undervalued. Respondents wished to see change to increase the profile and status of CLD across the wider learning and skills sector.

Learners reported that they felt well supported by CLD practitioners throughout their learning. This included support to build on their current learning, and specifically around transitions during their learning journey. Practitioners referred to a range of methods used to assess the effectiveness of outcomes, but saw scope for this to improve. It was suggested that consideration should be given to data collection around national outcomes against a set of agreed KPIs.

The Scottish Government is grateful to those who took the time to provide a response to these consultations. The responses have been helpful in informing the review report and recommendations to the Scottish Government, which will be published in due course. We have published all non-confidential responses to the review. The analysis of these responses will be made available in the overall Evidence Report, which will be published alongside the review report and recommendations. Direct links to these will be added below once they are published.

We asked for your views on Community Learning and Development (CLD) in Scotland. We asked learners, potential learners, practitioners and stakeholders of CLD what they think is working well and what could be done better.

We did this to help the Independent Review of CLD provide information and recommendations to the Scottish Government relating to measuring outcomes delivered through CLD, delivering positive outcomes and improved life chances for marginalised and vulnerable learners and a suitably professionalised CLD workforce equipped to deliver high quality outcomes for learners.

We received a total of 1140 responses on Citizen Space, of which 717 were from learners and potential learners and 423 were from practitioners.

Awareness and visibility of CLD was highlighted as a key issue. Respondents suggested that awareness can be limited by CLD being a poorly defined sector and having insufficient policy profile. There were calls for better communication to improve awareness of CLD provision, and especially around the positive impacts being delivered.

Poor awareness of CLD opportunities was also highlighted as a particular issue for people who want to access learning. Respondents suggested that access can be easier for those who have already engaged with CLD and who are aware of local opportunities. Reaching those who might benefit from CLD but who have not yet engaged with services remains a challenge. 

Flexibility of learning provision was seen as a key strength for CLD, especially in terms of making opportunities as widely accessible as possible. However, respondents referred to multiple barriers to access. These included access to and cost of transport, digital exclusion, and maintaining CLD alongside other time commitments. Funding challenges were also highlighted as impacting the CLD workforce and learner journey.

Practitioners were clear about the positive outcomes they deliver for learners, and the contribution that CLD makes to national policy priorities. However, there was a perception that CLD is undervalued. Respondents wished to see change to increase the profile and status of CLD across the wider learning and skills sector.

Learners reported that they felt well supported by CLD practitioners throughout their learning. This included support to build on their current learning, and specifically around transitions during their learning journey. Practitioners referred to a range of methods used to assess the effectiveness of outcomes, but saw scope for this to improve. It was suggested that consideration should be given to data collection around national outcomes against a set of agreed KPIs.

The Scottish Government is grateful to those who took the time to provide a response to these consultations. The responses have been helpful in informing the review report and recommendations to the Scottish Government, which will be published in due course. We have published all non-confidential responses to the review. The analysis of these responses will be made available in the overall Evidence Report, which will be published alongside the review report and recommendations. Direct links to these will be added below once they are published.

On 28 August 2023, the Scottish Government and COSLA launched phase two of the Democracy Matters engagement process as part of the Local Governance Review. This followed phase one where communities told us they that wanted more control over the decisions that matter the most to them. This time, Communities were encouraged to get together and consider that control and different democratic future might look like. Views and comments were sought on what future sphere of more local decision making should look like including the following areas:

• Powers
• Representation
• Accountability and Participation
• Setting local boundaries and priorities
• Standards, resources and relationships
• Nurturing Community Capacities

The consultation closed on 28 February 2024 and received a total of 166 responses – 83 from community conversations conversations hosted by, for example, community organisations, community councils, third sector organisations, and equality advocacy groups. 46 responses came from organisations and 30 came from individuals. Responses with consent to be published were published on 19^th September and can be found here.

The key findings arising from the engagement event discussions and consultation responses were:

• Arrangements for community decision-making should be flexible and responsive to the needs of the community and place.
• Decision-making bodies should be a platform to influence decisions and shape services in a structured and meaningful way. They should be representative of their community, including groups with protected characteristics.
• Ensuring accountability and building trust was seen as critical and could be done through transparent and accessible communication and effective planning, priority setting and evaluation.
• Clear participative mechanisms should be in place to make decisions, with various approaches used to maximise accessibility and encourage participation.
• A decision-making body should have a sustainable budget that can be directed independently.
• Community capacity building and skills development will be important to enabling communities to deliver more.

The responses from the consultation will be used to help inform the development of proposals for community decision-making arrangements. The Scottish Government has published an independent analysis of consultation responses and a joint statement with COSLA setting out our next steps. The report and statement are available here: Local Governance Review - Improving public services - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

We asked for your views on policy proposals for water, wastewater and drainage services and how we can adapt these services to the risks posed by climate change. The consultation opened on 21 November 2023 and closed on 21 February 2024. 

The consultation responses show broad support for our policy proposals. Respondents understood the need to make changes in order to protect our services, whether this is by using water more efficiently, managing rainwater more sustainably or being more responsible with what is disposed of into sewers. There is an understanding that these changes will require investment and that there need to be changes to how the water industry operates, but that change is necessary.  

The Scottish Government would like to thank everyone who took the time to provide a response to the consultation. The consultation responses are now available to view online where permission to publish has been provided. A full consultation analysis report has been published and is available on the Scottish Government website. 

We asked for views on proposals for a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill (WSD Bill), which aims to further improve decision-making and the implementation of the National Performance Framework to ensure that all policy and delivery is focused on increasing the wellbeing of people living in Scotland, both now and in the future.

We also asked for your views on further improving accountability and scrutiny of the National Outcomes, including the case for a Future Generations Commissioner.

The consultation opened on 6 December 2023 and closed on 14 February 2024.

We received a total of 180 responses. During the data review process one response was removed as it did not relate to the questions. A joint response from various public and third sector organisations was counted as two responses. There were 117 responses from organisations (65%) and 63 from individuals (35%).

Below is a short summary of general views, however this is not exhaustive and does not represent every view expressed. The consultation analysis, available here, includes further detail, although this is still not exhaustive. A full list of all publishable responses is available here.

A majority of respondents were in favour of statutory definitions of ‘wellbeing’ and ‘sustainable development,’ with various benefits identified, including providing greater clarity and consistency in their meaning and application to decision-making. Challenges were also identified, including the broad, subjective, and multi-faceted nature of the terms and subsequent difficulties in setting statutory definitions.

Some respondents said the current duties on the National Outcomes were not clear or robust enough and that a stronger legal duty, or wording of a legal duty, could provide a more explicit requirement to work towards the National Outcomes. Some expressed it would be worthwhile to review existing duties and how strengthening duties on the National Outcomes would align with these. Those in favour of legislation broadly agreed it should cover all areas of decision-making and those not in favour of legislation thought it should exclude all areas.

Most agreed that the strengthening of a legal duty should apply widely and include Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Government explicitly. Some argue this should go further and apply to private and third sectors, and few feel duties should not be applied to any organisation.

Some agree that it is important for the Scottish Government to explore ways to improve reporting on the achievement of wellbeing objectives. A common point made is that this would help to hold public bodies to account and aid learning. However improved reporting should not become unduly onerous or bureaucratic and duplicate other existing processes. Instead, a proportionate approach should be taken, including guidance and support for public bodies in fulfilling duties and reporting.

Views are mixed on whether Scotland should establish an independent Future Generations Commissioner (FGC). Less than half of respondents agree with this, and a sizeable proportion were unsure or did not answer, with some against the proposal. Further clarity and consideration are needed on the role, remit, purpose, functions and powers of the FGC and its integration with the existing landscape of Commissioners, including the risk of overlap. Some see significant value in an independent body with adequate resource and powers, which can provide support and keep public bodies, including Scottish Government, to account.

Respondents who feel that there is not a requirement for an FGC or who said that the case for such an appointment has not yet been made by Scottish Government, raise concerns including the risk of under-funding for other bodies, dilution of their duties or remit and fragmentation of the landscape. The cost of an FGC and risk of additional bureaucracy are also raised. They state alternative options could be identified and assessed.

Scottish Government will issue a Final Consultation Report, summarising views in more detail than done so here and outline the subsequent decisions taken.

The Scottish Government is grateful to those who took the time to provide a response to this consultation. The consultation responses have been independently analysed and the analysis report has now been published, along with the individual/organisation responses (where permission was granted). These responses have been carefully considered as part of further policy development and advice to Scottish Ministers. Ministers will take these views and considerations into account in their decision-making on how to progress. We will update this section and all stakeholders once next steps are determined.