Scottish Government consultations

 

Find and take part in consultations that interest or impact you. You can also view published responses and analysis.

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We Asked, You Said, We Did

Here are some of the issues we have consulted on and their outcomes. See all outcomes

We Asked

We sought your views on a proposal to postpone the determination of the period of the bathing season for 2020 and of the designation of any bathing waters, in light of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, and to keep the matter under review throughout the summer months in line with the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 framework for decision making.

You Said

The consultation received 551 responses. 36 were from organisations and 515 from individuals.

60 responders agreed to the proposal to postpone the 2020 bathing water season and keep it under review over the summer in line with the Scottish Government COVID-19. 23 of these were organisations including key public bodies such as local authorities and regional NHS Boards, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and other relevant public bodies. 37 responders who agreed were individuals.

Objections to the proposal were received from 491 responders. 13 of these were from organisations such as the Marine Conservation Society, Surfers Against Sewage, sailing and water sports clubs and associations, and two community councils. 478 responders who disagreed were individuals.

We Did

Scottish Ministers have considered the responses to the consultation. In light of the on-going pandemic, particular recognition was given to the responses from local authorities, regional NHS Boards, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and other relevant public bodies.

Scottish Ministers have determined that the bathing water season will be postponed and bathing waters will not be designated during Phase 1 of lockdown easing. This decision will be kept under review throughout the summer of 2020 in line with the Scottish Government’s phased approach to easing lockdown restrictions as set out in the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 Framework for Decision Making and associated guidance.

It should be understood that postponing the bathing season does not imply that beaches are closed. They remain open for local individuals to enjoy in line with the above-noted Regulations and guidance.

We Asked

We sought views on the final investment priorities and charging principles for the period 2021-27.

You Said

You were broadly content with the proposed documents.

We Did

Final versions of the documents will be published shortly to allow the Water Industry Commission for Scotland to publish its Draft Determination.

We Asked

We sought your views on the proposal for the Scottish Government to seek the Parliament’s approval to extend the duration of part 2 order making powers in the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 for a further 5 year period from June 2020 to June 2025.  

You Said

You provided us with 15 responses to the question in our consultation. The responses came in from 10 organisations and 5 individuals.

With regard to the proposal to seek Parliaments approval to extend the part 2 order making powers for a further 5 years, our analysis of the responses found that 12 were in agreement, 3 advised they were unsure and no objections to the proposal were received. 

We Did

As the responses received clearly supported the proposal to seek Parliaments approval to extend the order making powers for a further 5 year period we have taken the necessary action to allow Parliament to consider and scrutinise the request to extend the powers.