Climate Change Act Scotland 2009 Points of interest

Climate Change Act (Scotland) 2009 Points of interest Royal assent on 4 th Aug 2009 Seen as. . “historic” “groundbreaking” “setting an international example” Overall Aim To reduce Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions and convert to a low carbon economy

Climate Change Act (Scotland) 2009 Part 1 – forms the statutory framework for greenhouse gas emissions reduction in Scotland : an interim 42 % reduction target for 2020 with an 80 % reduction target for 2050 Part 2 – Scottish Committee on Climate Change or designation of an existing body to exercise advisory functions Part 3 - places duties on the Scottish Ministers requiring that they report regularly to the Scottish Parliament Part 4 - places climate change duties on Scottish public bodies. This Part also contains powers to enable the Scottish Ministers, by order, to impose further duties on public bodies in relation to climate change Part 5 - includes other requirements on climate change, including: adaptation, forestry, energy efficiency and waste reduction. Part 6 - includes provision on carbon assessment and public engagement

Section 44 – Public Bodies Duty Duties require that a public body must, in exercising its functions, act: • in the way best calculated to contribute to delivery of the Act's emissions reduction targets; • in the way best calculated to deliver any statutory adaptation programme; and • in a way that it considers most sustainable. Into Force The proposed date that Public Sector Duty is to come into force is: 1 st January 2011

Section 44 – Public Bodies Duty Definition of Public Body A Scottish public authority within the meaning of section 3(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (as amended). E. g. • LA’s; • NGO’s; • Health Authorities; • Police, Fire & Prison Authorities; • Further Education; • National Parks; • Scottish Law Commission; • Quality Meat Scotland; • Licensing Boards

Climate Change will impact on how the Public Sector delivers services in future

The Government favours an approach to the duties that embeds it in core business planning

Section 44 - Public Bodies Duty Guidance to Public Bodies Government is currently developing guidance for Public Bodies to assist them in delivering their duties, the time table of which is: • Public consultation on draft guidance – Summer 2010 • Publication of guidance - Early 2011 All Public Bodies must have regard to this guidance