Tag: scrutiny

Effective oversight of good food nation policy and plans is essential, says Holyrood Committee

Effective oversight of the good food nation policy and plans is essential to achieving the good food nation ambitions, according Holyrood’s Rural Affairs Committee, in a report published this week.

In its report on the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Bill, published on Thursday, the Committee says that parliamentary approval on the national plan ministers are required to create would “give Parliament its place in the good food nation plan process and provide parliamentary accountability of the Scottish Government in achieving its good food nation aims.”

The Committee also agreed that there is a need for an oversight body to oversee the implementation of the Bill and asks for urgent clarity as to whether the Scottish Government intends to designate one, either by means of a new or existing body.

The Committee says it is concerned that consideration of an oversight body is in the early stages and that it should be included within the Bill – along with clarity around the role the body will play in supporting and monitoring local authorities progress against their plans. It says that ‘further information, and reassurance, about this oversight function is essential.

Speaking as the report was launched, Committee Convener, Finlay Carson MSP, said; “Without increased oversight of the Scottish Government’s good food nation policy and plan, it is impossible for us to reassure stakeholders that the wide ranging concerns they expressed during evidence sessions, particularly in relation to resource, policy cohesion, the link between national and local plans and targets and outcomes, will be addressed.

“We accept that this is a framework bill but strengthened oversight throughout the planning process will be key to the success of our ambition for a food system that works for the people of Scotland.”

The report also asks the Scottish Government to provide a financial statement which lays out the costs that are likely to fall to relevant authorities in relation to the creation, development and implementation of good food nation plans and how this will be resourced.

During evidence sessions, many local authorities were concerned about the lack of information provided with Public Health Scotland saying that ‘significant resource’ would be required. Argyll and Bute Council supported this, saying that, “without adequate resources, the plan will ultimately become a piece of paper with ambitions on it.”

Other recommendations made in the report include:

  • That high level objectives which reflect the broad vision and ambitions for the good food nation policy be included in the Bill
  • The Committee agrees that the right to food be incorporated via forthcoming human rights legislation but that the Bill should align closely with the proposed right to food, especially until a statutory right to food is in place.
  • That consultation undertaken by either Scottish Ministers or local authorities on draft good food plans must be as wide, inclusive and participatory as possible.
  • Consultation methods for both national and local plans should be ‘tailored for each specific audience’ acknowledging that ‘one size will not fit all’.
  • That the Scottish Government ensures that relevant authorities have access to information and advice to support the development of their plans.

Parliament committees to scrutinise National Planning Framework

Policies governing the development of Scotland’s cities, towns and rural areas until 2045 are to be scrutinised across several Scottish Parliament committees.

The fourth National Planning Framework sets out the Scottish Government’s strategy for Scotland’s long-term development and a series of national planning policies, which will guide decisions on every application for planning permission submitted in Scotland. It also identifies 18 “national developments”, intended to support the delivery of the strategy.

Now, for the first time this session of Parliament, a number of Parliament committees will work together to scrutinise the proposals. They want to hear from you about how communities should be planned, with a view to tackling major issues such as the climate emergency and nature crisis, while supporting community wealth building and wider sustainable economic growth.

This includes hearing about what your ideal community would look like, how public and open space can be used to stay healthy, and how we can future proof our places while supporting recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Ariane Burgess MSP – Green

Speaking as the Committees launched their scrutiny, the Convener of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, Ariane Burgess MSP said: “The National Planning Framework aims to have a huge impact on the way we live in Scotland.

“This ambition is clearly to be welcomed. But it is important we take the time to ensure these bold claims can be realised and that the people of Scotland have the opportunity to get involved in the proposed transformational change in how we live and work.”

The Convener continued: “The Framework is wide ranging and detailed and it is important that the Parliament has the chance to scrutinise this fully.

“To do this, this work will take place across a number of Parliament committees. Each of these committees will use their expertise and knowledge to assess the practical impacts of the Framework as well as how this could be improved to ensure real, lasting and meaningful change.”

Members of the public are invited to give their views on the Framework via: https://yourviews.parliament.scot/lgc/npf4/ 

The deadline for responses is Monday 10 January 2022.

The National Planning Framework was introduced to Parliament on 10 November 2021. The Scottish Parliament has 120 days to report on the Framework. 

More details of the Committee’s consideration of the Framework can be found at: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/committees/current-and-previous-committees/session-6-local-government-housing-and-planning/business-items/national-planning-framework

No Road Safety Audit or Economic Impact Assessment carried out for Spaces for People initiative

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has said that City of Edinburgh Council have not followed the correct procedures for the Spaces for Peoples initiative.

The initiative has caused significant controversy since being put in place, including floating bus stops, reduced parking and increased congestion.

Local shops in the South of Edinburgh have spoken out this week about the adverse effect the initiative is having on their businesses, with a number being forced to close.

A Freedom of Information request by Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, revealed that no road safety audits or Economic Impact Assessment had been made before road closures were put in place.

A Written Answer from the Scottish Govt. responded that 56 letters or emails had been received concerning Spaces for People projects in Edinburgh which cover a range of issues.

In answer to being asked what consultation with local residents and businesses has been carried out, a City of Edinburgh Council representative responded:

“It is important that we put temporary measures in quickly as our priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents and support businesses. This means we are not able to follow a full engagement process but we have encouraged communities to submit their views”

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “The initial measures put in place when lockdown started, to give people more spaces on pavements, were understandable.

“Edinburgh has started moving again, shops have reopened and schools are back, so traffic has come up again to pre lockdown levels.

“City of Edinburgh Council has clearly stated that they want to move towards more walking and cycling as lockdown restrictions are eased, but full public consultation must be carried out before any permanent changes are made.

“The lack of any safety audits or an Economic Impact Assessment have led to all of the issues that we have seen with the Spaces for People initiative since it was put in place.”

Justice Committee stresses new laws on family breakdowns must be properly funded

The Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee is backing Scottish Government plans to change the law on deciding parent-child contact in family breakdown cases – but warns that it may make little practical difference to the lives of children unless it is properly resourced.

The Children (Scotland) Bill was introduced by the Scottish Government in order to ensure the voices of all children (in particular those under 12) are heard in family law cases, give further protections to the victims of domestic abuse in such legal disputes, and to change a range of rules around how family breakdowns are handled by authorities, from contact centres to the legal profession.

The Committee supports these aims but has suggested a number of potential areas in which the Bill could be improved to support taking children’s views into account. These would go beyond simply removing from the statute books the current arbitrary presumption that 12 years old is the point at which a child can express their opinion.

Importantly, the infrastructure to take children’s views needs to be strengthened. Specific skills and more creative methods are crucial, particularly when dealing with younger children. And if this law is to have a positive impact, then appropriate facilities and practitioners need to be in place across Scotland to ensure that all children who wish to express their views can do so.

Speaking as the Committee’s report was published, Justice Committee Convener, Margaret Mitchell MSP, said: “The Committee is persuaded that children’s interests are best served when they are afforded the opportunity to make their views and feelings known to authorities deciding upon their future family situation.

While members are backing the Bill at this stage they are acutely aware that the law on paper will not change the reality for children and families unless it is properly resourced, and practices change. At present, the Committee has concerns around the lack of resources accompanying the Bill, and the facilities we currently have in Scotland. Unless these change, the new law may make little practical difference to the lives of families.

“Of course, any implementation of these changes may have to wait until the current response to the Covid-19 outbreak has passed, but we look forward to working with the Government to strengthen the Bill in the months ahead to ensure its laudable aims can be met in reality.”

£8bn spent on integration – but what’s been delivered? asks Holyrood Committee

In a report intended to influence the Scottish Government’s health and sport budget, the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee are critical about lack of progress by Integration Authorities (IAs). Between them IAs are responsible for spending over £8bn yet the Committee reports they are unable to identify what that money has achieved. Continue reading £8bn spent on integration – but what’s been delivered? asks Holyrood Committee