BEFS NEWS

On Tuesday, Scotland’s finance secretary Shona Robison presented the pre-budget fiscal update, announcing substantial cuts to government spending. In relation to Government Spend and Capital Budget, of note was that due to inflationary impact on construction costs, spend will be focused on essential maintenance to infrastructure. Ms Robison confirmed the Programme for Government, which is being announced later today, will outline plans for fair, green economic growth. BEFS will continue to monitor and provide updates as they appear over the coming days.

A new suite of reports has been published by Historic Environment Scotland, highlighting the strength and contribution of Scotland’s historic environment and looking at the steps needed for future success. Following the launch of Our Past, Our Future: The Strategy for Scotland’s Historic Environment last year, BEFS welcomes this work as a significant milestone. We look forward to the strategy further supporting collaborative working and innovative approaches towards delivering the benefits of the historic environment for people and places.

• OPOF Delivery Framework
• OPOF Summary and Detailed Baseline Reports
• OPOF Year 1 Report

BEFS congratulates The Scottish Traditional Building Forum who are celebrating the end of a very successful 12th Edinburgh Traditional Building Festival. This year’s event was hosted by Edinburgh World Heritage and the free talks, demonstrations and tours raising the profile of the skills, materials and knowledge required to repair and maintain traditional buildings were well attended.

We were very sad to note the loss of Euan MacDonald MBE. Euan’s ground-breaking work led to improved accessibility for millions of people, with Euan’s Guide freely sharing information and advice to help remove barriers to accessing and enjoying Scotland’s places, including sites of historic significance.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

See our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers and answers for recent questions regarding Short-term Lets, RAAC, Retrofitting and Permitted Development Rights.

CONSULTATIONS

Survey on Private Investment in Culture & Heritage
Creative Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and Museums Galleries Scotland are working together to develop understanding of private investment in the cultural and heritage sectors in Scotland. The survey includes questions on organisational policies and processes related to private investment, the sourcing and management of private investment and the recent focus on private investment in culture and heritage. Responses to the survey are gathered anonymously and no organisational information will be shared publicly. The survey should take around 15 minutes to complete.
Closes 6 September 2024

Managing Change Guidance Review
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
HES is seeking feedback on their Managing Change guidance series to ensure it aligns with current policy and national priorities. The survey aims to understand how the guidance is currently used and how it can be improved as a tool to support decision-making in the historic environment. Feedback will inform priorities for new guidance topics and updates. The survey covers various aspects of the Managing Change guidance, including its use in planning, land management, and other decision-making processes.
Closes 17 September 2024

Draft Tall Buildings Design Guide Consultation
Glasgow City Council
The Glasgow City Centre Strategic Development Framework (SDF), adopted in 2021, provides flexible urban design guidelines and suggests creating specific guidelines for tall buildings to assist developers and planners. For sustainable growth, these projects need to focus on quality and clear goals. To help with this, the Tall Building Design Guidance was created, offering advice for developers and planning officers to make the pre-application process smoother and ensure buildings are well-designed and appropriately located. This consultation covers the areas as defined by the City Centre SDF and welcomes views from members of the public, technical experts, and Strategic Partners on the impact of tall buildings in the city centre and ways to improve the city in this modern environment.
Closes 30 September 2024

Building Regulations: Determining the principles for a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard: Stage 1 consultation
Scottish Government
Scottish building regulations set minimum standards applicable to new buildings and to new work to existing buildings. This consultation is the first of two which will consider the technical, commercial and wider policy implications of improvements to building regulations in the context of broader action by the Scottish Government on climate change, to further our ambition of becoming a net-zero society by 2045.
Closes 23 October 2024

Calanais Standing Stones – Improving community, economic and conservation benefits
Historic Environment Scotland
This consultation focusses on potential changes to access and charging arrangements at Calanais Standing Stones. HES are working to deliver a new combined visitor experience at the site, in collaboration with the local community-led trust Urras nan Tursachan (UnT), who independently own, manage and operate the Calanais Standing Stones visitor centre. Further information on the visitor centre redevelopment can be found here.
Closes 31 October 2024

Survey on barrier to retrofitting historic buildings
FuturHist project
Help identify the barriers to decarbonise historic buildings by completing the FuturHist Barrier Survey. Practitioners, heritage specialists, architects, researchers, building managers and owners are welcome to participate in the study led by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). The survey is part of FuturHist, a European project cofunded by the European Union and the UK Research and Innovation. FuturHist aims to develop integrated and replicable retrofit solutions for historic buildings, using a typology-based approach, to ensure their transition towards clean energy.
Closes 15 September 2024

PETITIONS

Ministerial submission on PE2089: Stop More National Parks in Scotland (Scot Gov 21/08/2024)

NEWS RELEASES

Celebrating the Launch of Scotland’s Vacant and Derelict Land Hub (Scottish Land Commission 14/08/2024)

Three sites announced as pilot locations in UKNC’s groundbreaking new Climate Change & UNESCO Heritage project (UK National Commission 15/08/2024)

Applications are open for the SPAB Fellowship 2025 (SPAB 28/08/2024)

AHSS Advocates for Heritage Protection in Response to Scottish Government’s New Permitted Development Rights (AHSS 28/08/2024)

Our response to the Scottish Parliament’s pre-budget scrutiny for 2025-26 (Museums Galleries Scotland 21/08/2024)
Evidence submitted to Holyrood details how Scottish museums and galleries are facing funding disadvantages compared to the rest of the UK and to Scotland’s wider culture sector.

The Big Conversation: Money (SEDA 30/08/2024)
The seventh film (in a series of 10) from 2045:The Big Conversation, focusing on how we manage our financial resources to deliver effective and fair change for all.

Profits from community windfarm to fund a million native trees in Hebrides (Guardian 31/08/2024)

New reports highlight the strength and contribution of Scotland’s historic environment (HES 02/09/2024)

SCVO Briefing to Scottish Parliament: Programme for Government 2024/25 (SCVO 02/09/2024)

Who wants what from Programme for Government 2024 (NewsDirect 03/09/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

Retrofit at Scale (Sustainable Development Foundation 31/07/2024)

Driving ‘natural’ renewal – the progressive case for restoring the natural environment (IPPR August 2024)

How a strengthened National Performance Framework can drive effective government in Scotland (Carnegie UK August 2024)

Scotland’s Historic Environment Audit 2024 (HES 29/08/2024)

National Report on the Scottish Social Housing Charter – Headline Findings – 2023-2024 (Scottish Housing Regulator 30/08/2024)

How the government can build more homes (Institute for Government 30/08/2024)

National Report on the Scottish Social Housing Charter – Headline Findings – 2023-2024 (Scottish Housing Regulator 30/08/2024)

Our Past, Our Future – Annual Report 2023-24 (HES 02/09/2024)

Our Past, Our Future Delivery Framework (HES 02/09/2024)

Our Past, Our Future Summary and Detailed Baseline Reports (HES 02/09/2024)

Our Past, Our Future Year 1 Report (HES 02/09/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26: Submissions from the Local Government Information Unit, the Accounts Commission, the Scottish Human Rights Commission and Professor David Heald (Scot Parl August 2024)

Thematic analysis of responses to the inquiry on the National Performance Framework (SPICe 16/08/2024)

Non-domestic rates income statistics (Scot Gov 21/08/2024)

How to quantify the economic impact of the UK’s heritage (UK Gov 22/08/2024)

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group minutes: June 2024 (Scot Gov 27/08/2024)

The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) (Amendment) Order 2024 Impact Assessments (Scot Gov 29/08/2024)

Fixing unsafe buildings must be faster, Deputy Prime Minister tells roundtable of regulators and partners (UK Gov 29/08/2024)

Planning: Proportionality of Assessments Short Life Working Group minutes: June 2024 (Scot Gov 30/08/2024)

Short Term Lets in Scotland Licensing Scheme: Part 1. Guidance for Hosts and Operators (Scot Gov 30/08/2024)

Housing (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (Scot Gov 30/08/2024)

Correspondence between Ivan McKee and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee on the work the government has taken to implement the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) (Scot Parl 30/08/2024)

Response from COSLA, Solace and CIPFA Directors of Finance to the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee’s Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26 (Scot Parl 30/08/2024)

Correspondence between Paul McLennan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2024 (Scot Parl 30/08/2024)

Delivering a wealthier, fairer and greener Scotland (Scot Gov 02/09/2024)

Culture Fair Work Taskforce minutes: July 2024 (Scot Gov 03/09/2024)

Housing (Scotland) Bill – clerks note (Scot Parl 03/09/2024)

Finance and Public Administration Committee: clerk’s note, SPICe summary of SFC publications, and meeting minutes (Scot Parl 03/09/2024)

Social Justice and Social Security Committee: clerk’s note (Scot Parl 04/09/2024)

Housing (Scotland) Bill – clerk’s note (Scot Parl 04/09/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

‘This shouldn’t have happened’: Women into Construction shuts down (Construction News 16/08/2024)

A visit to Glasgow’s vibrant cultural heritage scene, created by people for people (European Heritage Hub 19/08/2024)

Edinburgh backs introduction of new ‘tourist tax’ (BBC News 22/08/2024)

National register needed of buildings with RAAC, say Lib Dems (STV News 25/08/2024)

Glasgow city council to consider case for tourist tax (The Herald 27/08/2024)

Can new towns give Keir Starmer the answer to Britain’s housing crisis? (The Observer 01/09/2024)

Will the Glasgow School of Art ever be rebuilt? (Apollo Magazine 02/09/2024)

Budget cuts will have ‘profound effect’ on Scottish services – Robison (BBC News 03/09/2024)

EVENTS

C&BS – Fundraising Matters: Introduction to Fundraising
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 September 2024 & Tuesday 17 September 2024; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
This introductory course, led by Pam Judson, gives you the best possible foundations for starting your fundraising career.
£120 + VAT for C&BS members. £190 + VAT for non-members

C&BS – Board Matters: Thinking of Joining a Board?
Date & Time: Thursday 12 September 2024; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Do you care about the culture sector and want to play a part in its future?  Then being a board member or trustee just might be for you.  This webinar with Catriona Reynolds will help you understand what being on the Board of a cultural charity is all about.
FREE for C&BS members. £35 + VAT for non-members.

SPAB – Maintaining Scotland’s Churches
Date & Time: Thursday 26 September 2024; 9:30am-3:45pm
Location: St Matthew’s Church, Tay Street, Perth PH1 5 LQ
Are you involved in caring for and maintaining a place of worship in Scotland?  This introductory one-day course will explore how your historic church building works and the practical steps you can take to look after it.  You’ll be able to put your new knowledge into action right away, with a practical exercise looking at the host building inside and out to identify maintenance issues and areas of vulnerability. There will also be the opportunity to discuss your own church building with the course tutors and others attending.

VACANCIES

BEFS NEWS

Due to annual leave and team recruitment BEFS are currently running at reduced capacity. Despite this, our full bulletin service will resume in September! In the meantime, please enjoy our round up of sector news.

BEFS is delighted to announce two new appointments: Ilona McAllister has been an invaluable member of BEFS team for some time, and has this month taken on the new role of BEFS Head of Operations. Ilona brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this crucial role in BEFS development.
We are also pleased to congratulate Hazel Johnson – previously BEFS Policy and Strategy Manager – who has been appointed BEFS Director after taking on the Interim role at the start of August. Both Ilona and Hazel look forward to working with BEFS Members and the wider sector in their new capacities.

Following the publication in May 2024 of the report Meeting Scotland’s Retrofit Challenge: solutions from the industry there has been cross party support for the report’s key policy recommendations to establish a Ministerial Oversight Group on Retrofit and to develop a long-term Retrofit Delivery Plan with a joined-up approach to funding, regulating and incentivising retrofit work across Scotland. The publication of the Scottish Law Commission’s discussion paper on the proposed scheme for owners’ associations was also welcomed, recognising that the paper follows the work and recommendations of the Tenement Maintenance Working Group, which was established to explore actions to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements.

Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Grants Funding Report 2023-24 was released in July, providing detailed information on how grant funding has supported communities and historic places all over Scotland. On average HES awards around £13.5 million in grants each year on behalf of the Scottish Government to projects that protect and promote the historic environment.

The theme of the annual SPAB-STBA Conference is New Ideas for Old Buildings: Education, Application & Innovation; exploring where tradition meets innovation, and how the past informs the future. Innovators and experts in the heritage and sustainability fields are being invited to submit contributions to present at the conference in York on Tuesday 5 November. They are keen to hear from professionals who can offer insights, share experiences, and present cutting-edge research on a wide array of topics within the theme: submissions need to be made via this form by 5pm on Monday 2 September 2024.

The Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA) has released the first of ten short films following their Big Conversation days held in February and March 2024. The films present the key points made by a broad range of stakeholders in the built environment at this key time when Scotland is working to deliver the Just Transition to Net Zero. The first film looked at how we think about our future and how ready we are to change and includes contributions from BEFS former Director Ailsa Macfarlane, Euan Leitch, CEO of SURF, Robert Toomey of RICS, and Chris Stewart, President of RIAS. The whole series of films can be found here as they are released.

The University of Edinburgh & Edinburgh World Heritage have published Retrofitting Historic Sash & Case Windows, a quick start guide for homeowners, based on actual retrofit experiences.

Applications for the Scottish Government’s Scottish Connections Fund 2024-25 are now open. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for new projects that help to build Scotland’s networks and international links. The Fund is available to any individual or organisation with a Scottish connection – whether those links are through business, education, heritage or a wider affinity with Scottish culture.

We will be back with our regular bi-monthly bulletin schedule from 4 September.

CONSULTATIONS

HES Heritage Directorate Stakeholder Survey
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Historic Environment Scotland is seeking feedback on the services provided by its Heritage Directorate. This includes their role in planning, designations, and recording services. The survey aims to understand stakeholder experiences and needs, helping HES prioritise their work effectively. Responses will be collected and analysed by JRS, an independent research company, ensuring anonymity and adherence to data protection regulations.
Closes 30 August 2024

Crofting consultation 2024
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is determined to ensure that crofting legislation enables and supports the sustainability of crofting, of crofters and crofting communities, and allows crofting to modernise, innovate, diversify, and adapt to help meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. This consultation seeks views on a range of proposals for crofting reform which will help to create opportunities for new entrants, encourage the active management and use of crofts and common grazings, and support rural population. The consultation paper contains full background information, including references to current legislation.
Closes 2 September 2024

Managing Change Guidance Review
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
HES is seeking feedback on their Managing Change guidance series to ensure it aligns with current policy and national priorities, including its use in planning, land management, and other decision-making processes.The survey aims to understand how the guidance is currently used and how it can be improved as a tool to support decision-making in the historic environment. Feedback will inform priorities for new guidance topics and updates.
Closes 17 September 2024

Draft Tall Buildings Design Guide Consultation
Glasgow City Council
The Glasgow City Centre Strategic Development Framework (SDF), adopted in 2021, provides flexible urban design guidelines and suggests creating specific guidelines for tall buildings to assist developers and planners. For sustainable growth, these projects need to focus on quality and clear goals. To help with this, the Tall Building Design Guidance was created, offering advice for developers and planning officers to make the pre-application process smoother and ensure buildings are well-designed and appropriately located. This consultation covers the areas as defined by the City Centre SDF and welcomes views from members of the public, technical experts, and Strategic Partners on the impact of tall buildings in the city centre and ways to improve the city in this modern environment.
Closes 30 September 2024

Building Regulations: Determining the principles for a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard: Stage 1 consultation
Scottish Government
Scottish building regulations set minimum standards applicable to new buildings and to new work to existing buildings. This consultation is the first of two which will consider the technical, commercial and wider policy implications of improvements to building regulations in the context of broader action by the Scottish Government on climate change, to further our ambition of becoming a net-zero society by 2045.
Closes 23 October 2024

Calanais Standing Stones – Improving community, economic and conservation benefits
Historic Environment Scotland
This consultation focusses on potential changes to access and charging arrangements at Calanais Standing Stones. HES are working to deliver a new combined visitor experience at the site, in collaboration with the local community-led trust Urras nan Tursachan (UnT), who independently own, manage and operate the Calanais Standing Stones visitor centre. Further information on the visitor centre redevelopment can be found here.
Closes 31 October 2024

Barrier Survey
FuturHist
Help address the barriers to energy-efficient historic buildings by completing the FuturHist Barrier Survey. Practitioners, heritage specialists, architects, researchers, building managers, and owners are welcome to participate in the study led by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Scottish Law Commission : Discussion Paper on Compulsory Owner’s Associations – Consultation (BEFS 01/08/2024)
BEFS welcomes the paper as a significant milestone and output of one of the recommendations made by the Tenement Maintenance Working Group, towards action to improve the condition of tenement buildings in Scotland through a cohesive Owners Association management structure.
BEFS response highlights all three recommendations made the Tenement Maintenance Working Group, for reforming tenement law:

1. a requirement for tenements to be subject to a building condition inspection every five years;
2. the establishment of compulsory owners’ associations; and
3. establishment of building reserve funds.

These recommendations are considered important, interlinked, and accompanying vehicles towards delivery.

Scotland’s Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030 : Analysis of consultation responses (Scot Gov 02/08/2024)

Pre Budget Scrutiny 2025 -26 : Funding for Culture (BEFS 09/08/2024)
BEFS comments on the budget not only look at what is within the cultural portfolio – but highlight how cultural heritage can be eroded through a lack of investment in data, in planning, and in regeneration; many of the aspects that help to support genuine place-based approaches. BEFS response also notes potential impacts of the Visitor Levy Bill, emphasising the central role that the historic environment specifically – and the built environment more widely – play as a direct contributor to the cultural tourism offer of Scotland.

Investing in Planning – A consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system Summary of responses to the consultation (Scot Gov 15/08/2024)

Climate Change Targets Bill: Consultation (BEFS 16/08/2024)
BEFS considers that providing portfolios both directly and indirectly relevant to the existing built environment with the means to support regeneration and investment in places, will ensure that the 2045 target can be met, in addition to contributing to a truly sustainable Scotland.

PETITIONS

Scottish Government Submission on PE2105: Safeguard Scottish Listed Buildings at risk of unnecessary demolition (Scot Gov 08/07/2024)

PE2113: Provide support to RAAC-affected communities (Scot Parl 23/07/2023)
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to provide support to communities affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

NEWS RELEASES

If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk Series 3 (GCHT 27/06/2024)

SURF recommendations for the 24/25 programme for government (SURF July 2024)

SPAB-STBA Conference 2024: New Ideas for Old Buildings – Call for Contributions (SPAB 19/07/2024)

Proposal to designate Glasgow Central Mosque one of the first purpose-built mosques in Scotland, at Category A (HES 24/07/2024)

Housing Regulator publishes analysis of new homes, empty homes and lettings (Scottish Housing regulator 26/07/2024)

RIBA Stirling Prize Shortlist 2024 (RIBA 31/07/2024)

Six historic buildings in Portsoy, Aberdeenshire pass into community ownership protecting and revitalising historic harbour for future generations (The Architectural Heritage Fund 31/07/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

Retrofitting Historic Sash & Case Windows  (The University of Edinburgh & Edinburgh World Heritage July 2024)

Retrofit Revisit: building performance evaluation project (2024) (CIBSE July 2024)

The SURF Awards: Learning from Success. An outcomes report from a series of SURF workshops in 2024 (SURF July 2024)

Historic Environment Scotland Grants Funding Report 2023-24 (HES 17/07/2024)

Private rent and house prices, UK: July 2024 (ONS 17/07/2024)

Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey and Map (Our Place 19/07/2024)

Challenges to Thatch Supply Threaten Vital Rural Industry (Historic England and HES 21/07/2024)

Briefing: Net Zeroing in on investment Priorities for the new Government in delivering a fair transition (Resolution Foundation 22/07/2024)

Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency (Historic England 23/07/2024)

Place Forum 4: Preventative design (Architecture & Design Scotland 24/07/2024)

The Crown Estate Integrated Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 (The Crown Estate 24/07/2024)

Museums Galleries Scotland Annual Review 2023-24 (MGS 08/08/2024)

Construction output in Great Britain: June 2024, new orders and Construction Output Price Indices April to June 2024 (ONS 15/08/2024)

Economic activity and social change in the UK, real-time indicators: 15 August 2024 (ONS 15/08/2024)

Cultural Heritage, Creativity and the Creative Economy (Historic England 19/08/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Correspondence between Graham Long and the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee regarding National Outcomes to provide evidence on alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Scot Parl July 2024)

Correspondence between Paul McLennan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee with further detail on Housing to 2040 and building safety, and on how the government plans to respond to the housing emergency (Scot Parl 12/07/2024)

Climate Change Committee: 2024 Progress Report to Parliament (UK Gov 18/07/2024)

Heat in Buildings: Local Government Oversight Group minutes: April 2024 (Scot Gov 18/07/2024)

Building standard 3.3 – flooding and groundwater guidance review: research (Scot Gov 19/07/2024)

Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA): annual review 2023 to 2024 (Scot Gov 19/07/2024)

Planning and environmental appeals: quarterly performance statistics (Scot Gov 19/07/2024)

Scottish Housing Market Review Q2 2024 (Scot Gov 19/07/2024)

Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey – site register (Scot Gov 19/07/2024)

Correspondence between the Deputy Prime Minister and Defra Secretary of State to environmental NGOs on planning and infrastructure bill (UK Gov 21/07/2024)

Scotland’s New National Park Appraisal Panel: final report (Scot Gov 22/07/2024)

National Park in Galloway: proposal by Scottish Ministers (Scot Gov 22/07/2024)

Correspondence between Mairi Gougeon and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding the proposal for a new National Park in Galloway (Scot Parl 22/07/2024)

Scottish Connections Fund applications now open (Scot Gov 24/07/2024)

RAAC: Housing Stakeholder Meetings – November 2023; December 2023 & February 2024 (Scot Gov 25/07/2024)

Correspondence between Mairi Gougeon and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding Stage 2 amendments to Part 2 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 26/07/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 30/07/2024)

Land reform community mapping tool: guidance (Scot Gov 30/07/2024)

Housing targets increased to get Britain building again (UK Gov 30/07/2024)

Housing (Scotland) Bill: Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment Summary (Scot Gov 31/07/2024)

Housing (Scotland) Bill Island Communities Impact Assessment Results (Scot Gov 31/07/2024)

Building regulations – energy and environmental standards: consultation on proposed changes (Scot Gov 31/07/2024)

Correspondence between Mairi Gougeon and the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee on the delegated powers in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 31/07/2024)

European Regional Development Fund: annual implementation report (Scot Gov 31/07/2024)

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill: position paper (Scot Gov 02/08/2024)

Planning applications call-in: Ministerial statement (Scot Gov 02/08/2024)

Scotland’s Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030 : Analysis of consultation responses (Scot Gov 02/08/2024)

The Building Safety Act 2022 (Amendment Notices Transitional Provision) Regulations 2024 (UK Gov 05/08/2024)

Correspondence between The Scottish Land and Estates and the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee regarding concerns about Mairi Gougeon’s response about the delegated powers within the proposed Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 14/08/2024)

Scotland’s Land Use Strategy Annual Progress Report – 2023/2024 (Scot Gov 16/08/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 20/08/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

How Edinburgh Tenements Became an Urban Housing Blueprint (Bloomberg 19/07/2024)

Record number of vacant Scottish homes brought back into use (The Times 22/07/2024)

Airbnb crackdown ‘has failed to reduce short-term lets’ (The Times 23/07/2024)

Abolish VAT on regeneration, refurbishment and retrofit projects (Scottish Housing News 25/07/2024)

No response from John Swinney on Scotland’s housing emergency (Third Force News 26/07/2024)

The ‘astonishing’ £130 billion bill for SNP Government’s green buildings target (The Scotsman 30/07/2024)

Why the Radical Road in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park needs to reopen now after being shut for nearly six years (The Scotsman 31/07/2024)

Angela Rayner doesn’t know what a ‘beautiful’ building is. Has she seen Siena? (The Times 01/08/2024)

How emails reveal Scottish Government officials expected schools Raac funding a year ago (The Scotsman 13/08/2024)

Housing chief intervenes after ministers warn of cuts (The Scotsman 14/08/2024)

Creative Scotland warns of ‘managed decline’ outlook for the arts after being targeted for new cuts (The Scotsman 14/08/2024)

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers

MOTIONS

S6M-13928
Submitted by: Kevin Stewart, Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party.
Date Lodged: 22/07/2024
That the Parliament believes that the regeneration, refurbishment and retrofitting of Scotland’s buildings and housing stock is vital to maintain vibrant communities, to reduce energy costs and to achieve net zero ambitions; understands that new build projects are zero-rated for VAT, but that refurbishment and retrofit schemes are still subject to the standard rate of 20% VAT; believes that this creates an unlevel playing field and often stops regeneration works from happening to existing buildings, and calls on the UK Government to abolish VAT on the regeneration, refurbishment and retrofitting of buildings in order to help boost sustainable economic growth, to bring derelict buildings back into use. and to achieve Scotland’s net zero targets.

S6M-13943
Submitted by: Lorna Slater, Lothian, Scottish Green Party.
Date Lodged: 24/07/2024
That the Parliament welcomes the announcement of Galloway being selected as Scotland’s next national park; understands that there was considerable interest in the process, with bids from across the country, all carrying bold visions of people and nature thriving together, and welcomes what it sees as the transformative impact that this will have in terms of local nature, communities, investment, protections and opportunities, all to bring forward a fairer and greener country that sustains and celebrates Scotland’s biodiverse nature and landscapes.

S6M-14024
Submitted by: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date Lodged: 07/08/2024
That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the report, Meeting Scotland’s Retrofit Challenge: solutions from the industry, jointly published by 14 leading built environment sector organisations; recognises that this paper follows a “Retrofit Roundtable” meeting convened at the Scottish Parliament in May 2023; notes the support for the report’s key policy recommendations to establish a Ministerial Oversight Group on Retrofit and to develop a long-term Retrofit Delivery Plan with a joined-up approach to funding, regulating and incentivising retrofit work across Scotland, including in the Central Scotland region; further notes the calls on the Scottish Government to significantly increase the pace and scale of retrofit projects being undertaken across the country; welcomes the publication of the Scottish Law Commission’s discussion paper on the proposed scheme for owners’ associations; recognises that this discussion paper follows the work of the Tenement Maintenance Working Group, convened at the Scottish Parliament in March 2018, which was established to explore actions that could be taken to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements; acknowledges that the Scottish Law Commission’s discussion project responds to the Tenement Maintenance Working Group’s recommendation that every tenement building in Scotland should have an owners’ association to coordinate work to the building and a corresponding reference received from the Scottish Government to that effect in January 2022, and notes the discussion paper’s proposals concerning the functions, powers and duties of a tenement owners’ association, including the role of an association manager, decision-making procedures, liability of owners for costs and the implementation of an annual budgeting system.
Current status: Achieved cross-party support

EVENTS

SLCT – Introduction to Stonemasonry
Date & Time: Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 August 2024; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
Taught by a time served Stonemason, this course is suitable for all abilities and covers an introduction to tools, techniques, and uses of basic stonemasonry. Learners can take away their practice stones at the end of the day.

SLCT – Introduction to Maintaining Traditional Buildings
Date & Time: Friday 30 August 2024; 10am-3pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
This course provides the perfect starting point if you are considering undertaking some simple repairs yourself. The course will outline the maintenance that traditional buildings require, and attendees will gain an understanding of traditional building techniques and the correct materials to use when undertaking repairs. This is also an excellent opportunity to speak to the SLCT’s expert tutors about your project.

C&BS – Sponsorship Matters: Managing Ethics and Risk
Date & Time: Tuesday 3 September 2024; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
A new training session to support fundraisers with concerns about ethics, due diligence and risk management around sponsorship.
£85 + VAT for C&BS members. £125 + VAT for non-members

C&BS – Fundraising Matters: Introduction to Fundraising
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 September 2024 & Tuesday 17 September 2024; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
This introductory course, led by Pam Judson, gives you the best possible foundations for starting your fundraising career.
£120 + VAT for C&BS members. £190 + VAT for non-members

C&BS – Board Matters: Thinking of Joining a Board?
Date & Time: Thursday 12 September 2024; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Do you care about the culture sector and want to play a part in its future?  Then being a board member or trustee just might be for you.  This webinar with Catriona Reynolds will help you understand what being on the Board of a cultural charity is all about.
FREE for C&BS members. £35 + VAT for non-members

VACANCIES

BEFS NEWS

The new 2024-2025 Heritage Careers Guide, compiled by Professor Ian Baxter in association with The Heritage Alliance and BEFS, is now available. This comprehensive resource lists a range of useful places to check for vacancies in the heritage sector, aiming to support students and job seekers in finding employment opportunities. The guide has been updated with new links and is freely available for viewing, downloading, and sharing.

With the recent changes in Westminster leadership, BEFS notes new pledges on housing delivery south of the border, with conversations about upcoming planning reform very much in the news. Topics discussed at the recent meeting between newly appointed UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney at Bute House, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ speech outlining plans to ‘fix the foundations’ of the UK economy could have implications for Scotland. While focusing on growth, planning reform, and infrastructure development, the Chancellor’s proposals, including changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and onshore wind policies, primarily target England. However, the emphasis on economic growth, increased housing targets, and infrastructure investments may influence policy discussions and decisions north of the border. BEFS will closely monitor any developments, assessing potential impacts on or opportunities for Scottish planning policies, on Scotland’s existing built environment, and any consequent shifts in the Scottish Government’s approach to planning, development, and economic strategy – and will keep members apprised of significant changes in this area.

A further note on planning – BEFS, on behalf of the Conservation Officers Group (COG), has written to the Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee and Chief Planner Fiona Simpson highlighting concerns around the recent implementation of phase 3 of Permitted Development Rights (PDR) in relation to Conservation Areas. Issues highlighted include increased pressures on planning authorities, loss of positive gains achieved through previous investment of public funds/grants, and ongoing work such as Heat in Buildings legislation and the EPC review, which could significantly interact with the detail and implementation of the PDR3 amendments.

As Edinburgh gears up for its festival season urbanists and heritage and built environment enthusiasts have a wealth of relevant events to explore. The Academy of Urbanism’s Young Urbanist Kathie Pollard has curated a selection of programmes from the Edinburgh Art, Book, and Fringe festivals that may interest those in the sector. From Thomas Heatherwick’s insights on design to explorations of local postcodes and global urban challenges, the festivals offer a unique opportunity to engage with urban issues through various cultural lenses. For full details and booking information, visit the Urbanist’s pick of the Edinburgh Art, Book and Fringe festival programmes.

Finally, we want to remind our readers and members that BEFS is following its summer bulletin schedule. This will be our last bulletin before the summer recess. To keep you abreast of any crucial developments, keep your eyes peeled for a concise summer update on 21^st August, bridging the gap until our regular bulletin schedule resumes in September.

We’re grateful to have reached 1000 subscribers and counting – thank you for your continued support and engagement! We wish all our readers and members a pleasant and restorative summer ahead.

CONSULTATIONS

Review of charity regulation
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government ran a consultation in 2019 about proposals the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) had made on improvements to the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. In response to that consultation, it was noted that some respondents wanted a wider review of charity regulation. This consultation aims to understand if people still feel that way and if so, what they think should be the purpose and parameters for a review.
Closes 22 July 2024

Cultural engagement in Scotland: what is it and why does it matter?
Scottish Government
This survey has been developed to help the Scottish Government understand how people describe and enjoy culture, and what matters most to them. They are seeking views on the things that you enjoy doing and if you experience any challenges in accessing different activities and places. Scottish Government will use this information to better understand what everyday culture looks like and how it fits in your lives.
*NEW* Closes 29 July 2024

Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations
Scottish Law Commission
In March 2018, a Scottish Parliament Working Group was convened to explore what actions could be taken to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements. The Scottish Law Commission’s project follows from a reference under the Law Commissions Act 1965 received on 10 January 2022 from the (then) Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government (Shona Robison MSP). The reference asks for recommendations to be made to implement the Working Group’s recommendation that all tenements should have an owners’ association. Consultation is critical in all law reform projects to ensure that the final recommendations would, if implemented, result in law which is just, principled, responsive, and easy to understand.
Closes 1 August 2024

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26
Scottish Parliament
The Committee wants to gather views from individuals, groups and businesses operating in the culture sector to help make recommendations to the Scottish Government ahead of its Budget for 2025-26. The consultation focuses on planned budget increases, the culture strategy action plan, progress on innovative funding solutions, Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding programme and fair work.
Closes 9 August 2024

Flood resilience strategy
Scottish Government
Scotland’s climate has changed significantly and will continue to change for decades to come, resulting in the need to learn to live with and adapt to flooding in Scotland. The Flood Resilience Strategy will set out what needs to be done in the long term to create a flood resilient Scotland. The consultation paper sets out the principles guiding the strategy and the three key themes of people, places, and processes. These have been developed following a series of workshops and engagement with communities, practitioners, and researchers in 2023. The consultation paper contains full background information.
Closes 13 August 2024

Climate Change Targets Bill
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government has announced it will introduce legislation to amend its approach to setting targets for carbon emission reduction and move to a system of 5-yearly carbon budgets and away from a system of annual targets. This new legislation is expected to propose a new framework for re-setting interim emission reduction ambitions. The legislation is also likely to change the date by which the next Climate Change Plan (CCP) – the Government’s strategic delivery plan for meeting emissions reduction targets – is due. The Net Zero, Energy and Transport (NZET) Committee has agreed to carry out pre-legislative scrutiny in view of the Scottish Government’s stated intention to “expedite” the Bill through the Parliament and is inviting views for their consideration.
*NEW* Closes 16 August

Crofting consultation 2024
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is determined to ensure that crofting legislation enables and supports the sustainability of crofting, of crofters and crofting communities, and allows crofting to modernise, innovate, diversify, and adapt to help meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. This consultation seeks views on a range of proposals for crofting reform which will help to create opportunities for new entrants, encourage the active management and use of crofts and common grazings, and support rural population. The consultation paper contains full background information, including references to current legislation.
Closes 2 September 2024

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government have committed to reform and modernise compulsory purchase legislation. As a first step, they have established an advisory group to help support the reform programme. The group, to be co-chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, brings together several expert practitioners with first-hand experience of the compulsory purchase process. They recognise, however, that a range of organisations have an interest in this area and are consulting broadly and are keen to hear from a wide range of voices as the work moves forward.
Please get in touch at CPO.Reform@gov.scot

VAT and Listed Buildings Survey
Historic Houses
Historic Houses, in collaboration with Harlow Consulting, has launched a survey to assess the impacts of VAT on the repair, maintenance, and restoration of heritage buildings. The survey aims to gather evidence to support the case for a potential VAT rebate scheme for listed buildings open to the public for at least 28 days a year. Owners or managers of listed buildings that operate as heritage attractions are encouraged to participate. The survey covers topics such as property details, VAT impacts, building condition, repair costs, and community engagement. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact James Legard at Harlow Consulting or Sarah Roller at Historic Houses.

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill – Consultation Feedback (Scot Gov 09/07/2024)

NEWS RELEASES

Architecture and Design Scotland launches “Value of Design” campaign (Architecture & Design Scotland 27/06/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

New chancellor, new rules: How Rachel Reeves can improve the framework for fiscal policy making (Institute for Government 07/07/2024)

National Planning Framework 4: Guidance from the Courts (Morton Fraser MacRoberts 08/07/2024)

Heritage Careers Guide 2024-2025 (Ian Baxter, BEFS, The Heritage Alliance 13/07/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Ivan McKee regarding an update on the government’s work to conduct a Local Governance Review (Scot Parl June 2024)

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning and Ivan McKee regarding the annual review of NPF4 (Scot Parl 26/06/2024)

Correspondence between the Judicial Office For Scotland and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding the Housing and Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Scot Parl 27/06/2024)

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and COSLA, City of Edinburgh Council, South Lanarkshire Council, West Dunbartonshire Council, Scottish Borders Council, Local Authorities and Fife Council regarding the terms of an inquiry into the housing emergency (Scot Parl 28/06/2024)

Community right to buy – Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation: model template and guidance (Scot Gov 05/07/2024)

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC): Management Sub-group minutes – January 2024, Management Sub-group minutes – February 2024 and Management Sub-group minutes – April 2024 (Scot Gov 05/07/2024)

Speech: Chancellor Rachel Reeves is taking immediate action to fix the foundations of our economy (UK Gov 08/07/2024)

Culture Fair Work Taskforce minutes: May 2024 (Scot Gov 08/07/2024)

Public appointment: Members reappointed to the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Board (Scot Gov 08/07/2024)

Construction pipeline forecast tool: CPN 2/2024 (Scot Gov 08/07/2024)

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Jamie Hepburn regarding an update on the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 08/07/2024)

Planning and Architecture: Compulsory Purchase Reform (Scot Gov 09/07/2024)

Building standards – Futures Board Programme: workstream information (Scot Gov 09/07/2024)

Research to Inform National Planning Framework 4: Planning and Climate Change Guidance Report Issue 3 (Scot Gov 09/07/2024)

Members reappointed to the Crown Estate Scotland Board (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)

Members reappointed to the Board of National Galleries of Scotland (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)

Planning, Infrastructure and Place Advisory Group: terms of reference (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)

Planning and environmental appeals: quarterly performance statistics (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)

Correspondence between Paul McLennan and the Social Justice and Social Security Committee regarding issues raised on housing and homelessness (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)

SPICe Briefing: One land, many functions: exploring ‘integrated land use’ (SPICe 12/07/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

Scottish wind farms call for greater government subsidies (The Herald 08/07/2024)

‘Levelling up’ phrase to be erased, says minister (BBC News 09/07/2024)

Ministers warned £9bn needed for new homes to end housing emergency (The Herald 10/07/2024)

UK ministers preparing king’s speech containing at least 30 bills to include devolution, housebuilding and green energy (The Guardian 11/07/2024)

Governments working together to save Grangemouth (BBC News 12/07/2024)

How Scotland’s homes keep getting less affordable (BBC News 15/07/2024)

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers

EVENTS

SPAB – Limeworking at Saddell Castle
Date & Time: Saturday 27 July 2024; 10am-4pm & Sunday 28 July 2024; 9am-3pm
Location: Saddell Castle, Saddell, PA28 6QS Kintyre
Join SPAB Scotland for this weekend event at Category A listed Saddell Castle. Under the guidance of experts, you’ll learn traditional limeworking techniques and carry out real repairs on a live site, as part of a major conservation project run by the Landmark Trust.  Richard Fraser and the team at LimeRich will be your tutors for the weekend. You will learn about hot mixing of lime mortar and harling, apply the harling and, if time allows finish with some lime washing. It’s not every day you get to say you repaired a castle. Places are limited, so book yours now!

SLCT – Introduction to Stonemasonry
Date & Time: Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 August 2024; 9.30am-4.30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
Taught by a time served Stonemason, this course is suitable for all abilities and covers an introduction to tools, techniques and uses of basic stonemasonry. Learners can take away their practice stones at the end of the day.

SLCT – Introduction to Maintaining Traditional Buildings
Date & Time: Friday 30 August 2024; 10am-3pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
This course provides the perfect starting point if you are considering undertaking some simple repairs yourself. The course will outline the maintenance that traditional buildings require and attendees will gain an understanding of traditional building techniques and the correct materials to use when undertaking repairs. This is also an excellent opportunity to speak to the SLCT’s expert tutors about your project.

C&BS – Sponsorship Matters: Managing Ethics and Risk
Date & Time: Tuesday 3 September 2024; 9.30am-12.30pm
Location: Online
A new training session to support fundraisers with concerns about ethics, due diligence and risk management around sponsorship.
£85 + VAT for C&BS members. £125 + VAT for non-members

C&BS – Fundraising Matters: Introduction to Fundraising
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 September 2024 & Tuesday 17 September 2024; 9.30am-12.30pm
Location: Online
This introductory course, led by Pam Judson, gives you the best possible foundations for starting your fundraising career.
£120 + VAT for C&BS members. £190 + VAT for non-members

C&BS – Board Matters: Thinking of Joining a Board?
Date & Time: Thursday 12 September 2024; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Do you care about the culture sector and want to play a part in its future?  Then being a board member or trustee just might be for you.  This webinar with Catriona Reynolds will help you understand what being on the Board of a cultural charity is all about.
FREE for C&BS members. £35 + VAT for non-members.

VACANCIES

BEFS NEWS

BEFS welcomes Karen Anderson, who has become the new President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), with her two-year term of office formally beginning at the RIAS AGM.

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) has opened nominations for two prestigious awards: the Building Craftsperson of the Year Awards and the Sustainable Heritage Awards. Both nomination processes opened on 20 June 2024, with a closing date of 31 July 2024.

Two significant bills have recently progressed through the Scottish Parliament:

The Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill received backing from MSPs on 18 June 2024. This legislation aims to transform how the Scottish Government supports farming and food production, with a focus on sustainable and regenerative practices. Notably, the bill now includes provisions for the historic environment, following successful lobbying efforts by Archaeology Scotland, the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, the National Trust for Scotland, and BEFS.

The Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 26 June 2024. While the final version does not include specific provisions for construction materials, BEFS worked alongside the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) to raise awareness of this issue more broadly. The bill aims to support Scotland’s transition to a circular economy, focusing on reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency.

BEFS is pleased to announce its summer bulletin schedule, ensuring our readers and members stay informed during the holiday period:

• Our next comprehensive bulletin will be released on 17th July, providing you with the latest updates before the summer recess.
• To keep you abreast of any crucial developments, we’ll publish a concise summer update on 21st August, bridging the gap until our regular bulletin schedule resumes.

We appreciate your continued engagement and wish all our readers and members a pleasant and restorative summer.

CONSULTATIONS

Time limits for enforcement action for unauthorised Environmental Impact Assessment development
Scottish Government
Comments are invited on proposals to disapply Section 124 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (‘the 1997 Act’) concerning the time limits for taking enforcement action on unauthorised development, which requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This follows a case of unauthorised development in Northern Ireland for which an EIA was required, but not undertaken. The need for EIA was only identified after the time limit for enforcement had expired and the development was immune from enforcement action. As the Scottish planning system is like the system in Northern Ireland, the Scottish Government considers it is possible, although unlikely, that a similar situation could arise in Scotland.
Closes 11 July 2024

Review of charity regulation
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government ran a consultation in 2019 about proposals the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) had made on improvements to the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. In response to that consultation, it was noted that some respondents wanted a wider review of charity regulation. This consultation aims to understand if people still feel that way and if so, what they think should be the purpose and parameters for a review.
Closes 22 July 2024

Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations
Scottish Law Commission
In March 2018, a Scottish Parliament Working Group was convened to explore what actions could be taken to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements. The Scottish Law Commission’s project follows from a reference under the Law Commissions Act 1965 received on 10 January 2022 from the (then) Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government (Shona Robison MSP). The reference asks for recommendations to be made to implement the Working Group’s recommendation that all tenements should have an owners’ association. Consultation is critical in all law reform projects to ensure that the final recommendations would, if implemented, result in law which is just, principled, responsive, and easy to understand.
Closes 1 August 2024

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26
Scottish Parliament
The Committee wants to gather views from individuals, groups and businesses operating in the culture sector to help make recommendations to the Scottish Government ahead of its Budget for 2025-26. The consultation focuses on planned budget increases, the culture strategy action plan, progress on innovative funding solutions, Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding programme and fair work.
Closes 9 August 2024

Flood resilience strategy
Scottish Government
Scotland’s climate has changed significantly and will continue to change for decades to come, resulting in the need to learn to live with and adapt to flooding in Scotland. The Flood Resilience Strategy will set out what needs to be done in the long term to create a flood resilient Scotland. The consultation paper sets out the principles guiding the strategy and the three key themes of people, places, and processes. These have been developed following a series of workshops and engagement with communities, practitioners, and researchers in 2023. The consultation paper contains full background information.
Closes 13 August 2024

Crofting consultation 2024
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is determined to ensure that crofting legislation enables and supports the sustainability of crofting, of crofters and crofting communities, and allows crofting to modernise, innovate, diversify, and adapt to help meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. This consultation seeks views on a range of proposals for crofting reform which will help to create opportunities for new entrants, encourage the active management and use of crofts and common grazings, and support rural population. The consultation paper contains full background information, including references to current legislation.
Closes 2 September 2024

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government have committed to reform and modernise compulsory purchase legislation. As a first step, they have established an advisory group to help support the reform programme. The group, to be co-chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, brings together several expert practitioners with first-hand experience of the compulsory purchase process. They recognise, however, that a range of organisations have an interest in this area and are consulting broadly and are keen to hear from a wide range of voices as the work moves forward.
Please get in touch at CPO.Reform@gov.scot

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Building standards enforcement and sanctions: consultation outcome report (Scot Gov 07/06/2024)

Building standards enforcement and sanctions: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 07/06/2024)

Building standards enforcement and sanctions: consultation feedback (Scot Gov 12/06/2024)

Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 – proposed amendments: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 25/06/2024)

PETITIONS

SPICe briefing on PE1885: Make offering Community Shared Ownership mandatory for all windfarm development planning proposals.

NEWS RELEASES

Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre to become non-domestic retrofit demonstrator (BE-ST 30/04/2024)

Building Craftsperson of the Year Awards – Open for Nominations (SPAB 20/06/2024)

Sustainable Heritage Awards – Open for Nominations (SPAB 20/06/2024)

Keep Scotland Beautiful welcome two new Heads of Service and bid farewell to their Deputy CEO (Keep Scotland Beautiful 24/06/2024)

Karen Anderson is the new RIAS President (RIAS 26/06/2024)

General Election 2024 – Party Manifesto Pledges for Culture (Culture Counts 28/06/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

2022/23 Public Bodies Climate Change Duties Analysis Report (Edinburgh Climate Change Institute 28/05/2024)

Economic activity and social change in the UK, real-time indicators (ONS 20/06/2024)

The Foundations of the Housing Crisis: How our extractive land and development models work against public good (New Economics Foundation 27/06/2024)

How would the parties’ tax and spending plans affect Scotland and Wales? (Institute for Fiscal Studies 28/06/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Correspondence between Kate Forbes and the Economy and Fair Work Committee regarding the government’s economic priorities (Scot Gov 17/06/2024)

Agriculture Bill to become law (Scot Gov 18/06/2024)

Committee Membership: New appointments to the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee; Rural Affairs and Islands Committee & Economy and Fair Work Committee (Scot Parl 18/06/2024)

Strategic environmental assessment: pre-screening register (Scot Gov 18/06/2024)

Correspondence between Shirley-Anne Somerville and the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee regarding delegated powers contained within the Housing (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 18/06/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee: Official Report & Minutes (Scot Parl 18/06/2024)

Housing to 2040 Strategic Board minutes: February 2024 (Scot Gov 18/06/2024)

Màiri McAllan maternity cover (Scot Gov 19/06/2024)

Scotland’s Heat Network Fund: application guidance (Scot Gov 19/06/2024)

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Paul McLennan regarding the government’s intended changes to the Housing (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 19/06/2024)

Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) guidance note (Scot Gov 20/06/2024)

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee: Official Report (Scot Parl 20/06/2024)

Correspondence between the Scottish Association of Landlords and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee with supplementary evidence on the Housing (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 20/06/2024)

Correspondence between Citizens Advice Scotland and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee with supplementary evidence on the Housing (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 20/06/2024)

Households and Dwellings in Scotland, 2023 (National Records of Scotland 20/06/2024)

Cladding Remediation Programme: Single Building Assessment specification (Scot Gov 21/06/2024)

Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill receives Royal Assent (Scot Parl 21/06/2024)

Housing (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment results summary (Scot Gov 21/06/2024)

Delegated powers contained in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill following amendments made at Stage 2 (Scot Parl 21/06/2024)

Correspondence between the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee and Mairi Gougeon regarding delegated powers contained within the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 21/06/2024)

Housing (Scotland) Bill – clerks note (Scot Parl 25/06/2024)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill – clerks note (Scot Parl 25/06/2024)

Quarterly Housing Statistics in 2023-24 (Scot Gov 25/06/2024)

Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill at Stage 3: timed groupings of amendments (Scot Parl 25/06/2024)

Local Government 2023-24 Provisional Outturn and 2024-25 Budget Estimates (Scot Gov 25/06/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee [Draft] Official Report (Scot Parl 25/06/2024)

Correspondence between the Finance and Public Administration Committee and Paul McLennan regarding the Housing (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 25/06/2024)

Correspondence between the Finance and Public Administration Committee and John-Paul Marks regarding the co-design process of a bill moving through parliament (Scot Parl 26/06/2024)

Circular Economy Bill passed (Scot Gov 26/06/2024)

Tackling the climate emergency: speech by the Minister for Climate Action (Scot Gov 26/06/2024)

Updates to short-term lets licensing scheme approved (Scot Gov 26/06/2024)

Development plan correspondence: list (Scot Gov 27/06/2024)

Building standards – workforce data collection: analysis report 2023 (Scot Gov 28/06/2024)

Heat network projects: quarterly report – June 2024 (Scot Gov 28/06/2024)

Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme: June 2024 (Scot Gov 28/06/2024)

Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey 2023 (Scot Gov 28/06/2024)

Scottish City Region and Growth Deal Delivery Board: May 2024 (Scot Gov 28/06/2024)

Development plan examinations: list (Scot Gov 01/07/2024)

Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan (ESJTP): letter to Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy (Scot Gov 01/07/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

Scotland misses another climate change target (BBC News 18/06/2024)

Retrofit: What can we learn from Ireland? (BE-ST 24/06/2024)

The Importance of Planning Policy (The Cockburn Association 25/06/2024)

‘We want to enable more disabled people to discover Scotland’ (The Herald 27/06/2024)

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers

MOTIONS

S6M-13759
Submitted by: Gillian Martin, Aberdeenshire East, Scottish National Party.
Date Lodged: 24/06/2024
That the Parliament reaffirms its unwavering commitment to tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss through a just and fair transition; believes firmly in, and accepts, climate science and expert advice and its importance in reaching net zero, and rejects, therefore, climate science denial.
Current status: Agreed to unanimously. Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday 26 June 2024.

S6M-13757
Submitted by: Gillian Martin, Aberdeenshire East, Scottish National Party.
Date Lodged: 24/06/2024
That the Parliament agrees that the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill be passed.
Current status: Agreed to unanimously. Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday 26 June 2024.

S6M-13792
Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party.
Date Lodged: 25/06/2024
That the Parliament agrees that the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2024 [draft] be approved.
Current status: Agreed with abstentions from the Conservatives and Labour (For 68, Against 0, Abstentions 46). Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, 26 June 2024

S6M-13784 & S6M-13782
Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party.
Date Lodged: 25/06/2024
That the Parliament agrees that –
Gillian Mackay be appointed to replace Ross Greer as the Scottish Green Party substitute on the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee;
Lorna Slater be appointed to replace Mark Ruskell as the Scottish Green Party substitute on the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee;
Lorna Slater be appointed to replace Maggie Chapman as the Scottish Green Party substitute on the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, and
Patrick Harvie be appointed to replace Maggie Chapman as the Scottish Green Party substitute on the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee.
Patrick Harvie be appointed to replace Mark Ruskell as a member of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, 26 June 2024.

SPAB – Limeworking at Saddell Castle
Date & Time: Saturday 27 July 2024; 10am-4pm & Sunday 28 July 2024; 9am-3pm
Location: Saddell Castle, Saddell, PA28 6QS Kintyre
Join SPAB Scotland for this weekend event at Category A listed Saddell Castle. Under the guidance of experts, you’ll learn traditional limeworking techniques and carry out real repairs on a live site, as part of a major conservation project run by the Landmark Trust.  Richard Fraser and the team at LimeRich will be your tutors for the weekend. You will learn about hot mixing of lime mortar and harling, apply the harling and, if time allows finish with some lime washing. It’s not every day you get to say you repaired a castle. Places are limited, so book yours now!

C&BS – Sponsorship Matters: Managing Ethics and Risk
Date & Time: Tuesday 3 September 2024; 9.30am-12.30pm
Location: Online
A new training session to support fundraisers with concerns about ethics, due diligence and risk management around sponsorship.
£85 + VAT for C&BS members. £125 + VAT for non-members

C&BS – Fundraising Matters: Introduction to Fundraising
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 September 2024 & Tuesday 17 September 2024; 9.30am-12.30pm
Location: Online
This introductory course, led by Pam Judson, gives you the best possible foundations for starting your fundraising career.
£120 + VAT for C&BS members. £190 + VAT for non-members

C&BS – Board Matters: Thinking of Joining a Board?
Date & Time: Thursday 12 September 2024; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Do you care about the culture sector and want to play a part in its future?  Then being a board member or trustee just might be for you.  This webinar with Catriona Reynolds will help you understand what being on the Board of a cultural charity is all about.
FREE for C&BS members. £35 + VAT for non-members.

VACANCIES

BEFS NEWS

In mid-July, BEFS will bid farewell to Director Ailsa Macfarlane as she takes up a new role as Head of National and International Partnerships for National Museums Scotland. During her 7 years at BEFS, first in Policy & Strategy and then as Director, Ailsa has made significant contributions to the organisation and the wider built environment sector. The BEFS Board and team express their gratitude and wish Ailsa the very best in her new role.

Hazel Johnson will step into the role of Interim Director from August. For those interested in the position of BEFS Director, the recruitment pack is now available. Read our full statement here and access the job details here.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced the appointment of Katerina Brown as their new CEO. Joining from the National Trust for Scotland, where she currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, Ms Brown brings a wealth of experience from both national and international financial services, renewable energy, and property sectors. Her passion for Scotland’s historic environment and proven track record in business are thought to make her an outstanding candidate to lead HES in delivering Scotland’s ambitious heritage strategy.

With the UK general election campaign in full swing, political parties have revealed their plans for supporting the museums and heritage sectors in their recently published manifestos. Whilst culture and heritage are devolved matters in Scotland, it’s interesting to read the range of commitments: from improving access to cultural assets and protecting national heritage to boosting funding for creative projects and promoting regional culture, each party has outlined its unique approach to the sector. To learn more about the specific pledges made by the Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green, Plaid Cymru, Reform, and SNP parties, read the full report by Museums + Heritage.

SAVE Britain’s Heritage has launched a public petition calling on the Scottish Parliament to host a national debate to bolster safeguards for threatened listed buildings. The petition, currently under consideration by the Scottish Parliament, seeks to address a perceived loophole that allows for the demolition of listed buildings without sufficient evidence. It calls for enhanced policy guidance and mandatory engagement with conservation accredited engineers in cases involving listed buildings.

The National Retrofit Hub are calling on professionals, researchers and practitioners to contribute their knowledge on International Retrofit Delivery Models. Whether you have detailed case studies or brief insights, your contribution is crucial. Please complete this form to share your expertise and help create a valuable repository that supports effective policy-making and project delivery.

BE-ST, in collaboration with Robert Gordon University and Construction Leadership Forum have launched a survey: Digital representation of buildings: towards Digital twins – National Existing Building Database questionnaire which aims to identify current practices in assessing and managing maintenance, repair, retrofit and other building related works in the social housing sector in Scotland.

BEFS Director recently attended the short conference, and now Scotland’s Futures Forum have published their conference report on Scotland’s Housing and Net Zero Conference. The report highlights the challenges that will be faced tackling the carbon emissions created by Scotland’s housing – which account for 13% of total emissions. Delivering clean heating systems and warm homes are problematic, especially for old tenement buildings and in rural areas, which will only be exacerbated by several local authorities in Scotland declaring housing emergencies.

RTPI Scotland has secured funds from the Scottish Government for 10 postgraduate bursaries worth £5000 each. The bursaries will support students who have a place to study on an accredited planning Masters in a Scottish University. Applications will open on 24 June and close on 9 August 2024. Further information here.

The 2024 SURF Awards were launched on 6 June at a special online event. The Awards are delivered each year by SURF, a regeneration forum with over 300 cross-sector member organisations across Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government. The purpose is to highlight, celebrate and share the achievements of initiatives that address physical, social and economic challenges in communities across Scotland.

And finally, it’s been a busy week for meetings, BEFS thanks CIOB for organising the MSP Retrofit breakfast yesterday, sharing the collective recommendations from the report, and we thank all those who attended the BEFS-facilitated VAT and Listed Buildings workshop with HES.  Both are important topics, with many policy links.

CONSULTATIONS

National Performance Framework: Inquiry into proposed National Outcomes
Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Government must, by law, review the National Outcomes for Scotland at least every five years. The Scottish Parliament must be consulted on proposed National Outcomes and considers the consultation the Government has carried out. The Scottish Government’s Report on proposed National Outcomes and its consultation was published on 2 May 2024. The Finance and Public Administration Committee is leading in considering the proposed National Outcomes, although some other Committees will wish to consider evidence in their areas of interest. There is one consultation for all Committees which seeks your views on the Government’s proposed National Outcomes.
Closes 28 June 2024

Inventory of Historic Battlefields – Revisions to Selection Guidance
Historic Environment Scotland
HES is proposing revisions to the battlefields selection guidance in response to recommendations made by Lichfields UK in a report that was commissioned in 2021 to inform best practice in the designation and management of inventory battlefields in the planning system. Many organisations and individuals play an important role in looking after Scotland’s historic battlefields, and their views are being requested to help HES to shape the changes being made to guidance to be applied when designating inventory battlefields.
Closes 2 July 2024

Time limits for enforcement action for unauthorised Environmental Impact Assessment development
Scottish Government
Comments are invited on proposals to disapply Section 124 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (‘the 1997 Act’) concerning the time limits for taking enforcement action on unauthorised development which requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This follows a case of unauthorised development in Northern Ireland for which an EIA was required, but not undertaken. The need for EIA was only identified after the time limit for enforcement had expired and the development was immune from enforcement action. As the Scottish planning system is like the system in Northern Ireland, the Scottish Government considers it is possible, although unlikely, that a similar situation could arise in Scotland.
Closes 11 July 2024

Review of charity regulation
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government ran a consultation in 2019 about proposals the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) had made on improvements to the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. In response to that consultation, it was noted that some respondents wanted a wider review of charity regulation. This consultation aims to understand if people still feel that way and if so, what they think should be the purpose and parameters for a review.
Closes 22 July 2024

Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations
Scottish Law Commission
In March 2018, a Scottish Parliament Working Group was convened to explore what actions could be taken to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements. The Scottish Law Commission’s project follows from a reference under the Law Commissions Act 1965 received on 10 January 2022 from the (then) Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government (Shona Robison MSP). The reference asks for recommendations to be made to implement the Working Group’s recommendation that all tenements should have an owners’ association. Consultation is critical in all law reform projects to ensure that the final recommendations would, if implemented, result in law which is just, principled, responsive, and easy to understand.
Closes 1 August 2024

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26
Scottish Parliament
The Committee wants to gather views from individuals, groups and businesses operating in the culture sector to help make recommendations to the Scottish Government ahead of its Budget for 2025-26. The consultation focuses on planned budget increases, the culture strategy action plan, progress on innovative funding solutions, Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding programme and fair work.
*NEW* Closes 9 August 2024

Flood resilience strategy
Scottish Government
Scotland’s climate has changed significantly and will continue to change for decades to come, resulting in the need to learn to live with and adapt to flooding in Scotland. The Flood Resilience Strategy will set out what needs to be done in the long term to create a flood resilient Scotland. The consultation paper sets out the principles guiding the strategy and the three key themes of people, places, and processes. These have been developed following a series of workshops and engagement with communities, practitioners, and researchers in 2023. The consultation paper contains full background information.
Closes 13 August 2024

Crofting consultation 2024
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is determined to ensure that crofting legislation enables and supports the sustainability of crofting, of crofters and crofting communities, and allows crofting to modernise, innovate, diversify and adapt to help meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. This consultation seeks views on a range of proposals for crofting reform which will help to create opportunities for new entrants, encourage the active management and use of crofts and common grazings, and support rural population. The consultation paper contains full background information, including references to current legislation.
*New* Closes 2 September 2024

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government have committed to reform and modernise compulsory purchase legislation. As a first step, they have established an advisory group to help support the reform programme. The group, to be co-chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, brings together several expert practitioners with first-hand experience of the compulsory purchase process. They recognise, however, that a range of organisations have an interest in this area and are consulting broadly and are keen to hear from a wide range of voices as the work moves forward.
Please get in touch at CPO.Reform@gov.scot

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Building standards enforcement and sanctions: consultation analysis & consultation outcome report (Scot Gov 07/06/2024)

PETITIONS

Submission from the Scottish Government regarding PE2026/D: Eliminate Council Tax discounts for second homes and vacant properties Scottish Government submission (Scot Gov 22/05/2024)

Submission from the Scottish Government regarding PE2075: Prioritise local participation in planning decisions (Scot Gov 04/06/2024)

PE2105: Safeguard Scottish Listed Buildings at risk of unnecessary demolition
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to set a minimum evidence requirement to prevent unnecessary use of emergency public safety powers to demolish listed buildings.
Created by: Lydia Franklin on behalf of SAVE Britain’s Heritage
Considered from: 06/06 2024

NEWS RELEASES

2024 SURF Awards Launched Online (SURF 06/06/2024)

Manifesto launched calling on the next UK Government to prioritise a clean energy future (Scottish renewables 07/06/2024)

National Federation of Self Employed & Small Businesses General Election Manifesto 2024 (fsb50 07/06/2024)

SAVE calls for national debate on demolition of Scottish heritage (Save Britain’s Heritage 11/06/2024)

Historic Environment Scotland appoints new CEO (HES 13/06/2024)

What the party manifestos have to say about museums and heritage (M&H Advisor 13/06/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

Counting the Cost: The case for making older people’s homes safe (Centre for Ageing Better 20/05/2024)

New Homes: An alternative is possible: Measuring the impact of cooperatives (IPPR 13/06/2024)

Briefing: Levelling up process following the general election in 2019 (National Institute of Economic and Social Research 14/06/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Correspondence between The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Paul McLennan concerning how the government plans to respond to the housing emergency (Scot Parl 04/06/2024)

Skills: Shared Outcomes Assurance Group minutes: 05 March 2024 (Scot Gov 04/06/2024)

Energy consents: application procedure and publicity requirements & how to support or object to an application (Scot Gov 05/06/2024)

Correspondence between Angus Robertson and the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee with an update on the Culture Strategy Action Plan (Scot Parl 05/06/2024)

Scotland’s Housing and Net Zero Conference Report (Scotland’s Futures Forum 05/06/2024)

Briefing Paper: Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (SPICe 05/06/02024)

Briefing Paper: The Housing (Scotland) Bill (SPICe 06/06/2024)

Correspondence between the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee and Shirley-Anne Somerville regarding the Housing (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 06/06/2024)

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Paul McLennan regarding implementation of short-term let licensing (Scot Parl 06/06/2024)

Correspondence between Mairi Gougeon and the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee with a draft outline of the Rural Support Plan under the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 07/06/2024)

The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (Scotland) regulations 2020: ICIA (Scot Gov 10/06/2024)

Building standards – guidance changes April 2024: letter to local authority verifiers – 25 March 2024 (Scot Gov 10/06/2024)

Correspondence between Angus Robertson and the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee regarding the publication of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) Investigation Report into the origin and cause of the fire at Glasgow School of Art in 2018 (Scot Gov 10/06/2024)

Planning – Compulsory Purchase Reform Scotland Practitioner Advisory Group: terms of reference (Scot Gov 11/06/2024)

Proposals and appeals against non-domestic revaluations (Scot Gov 12/06/2024)

Stage 3 of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill: grouping of amendments, marshalled list of amendments & revised explanatory notes (Scot Gov 12/06/2024)

SPICe Briefing: Housing (Scotland) Bill (SPICe 13/06/2024)

Cabinet sub-committees: factsheet (Scot Gov 13/06/2024)

Circular Economy Scotland Bill daily lists of amendments for Wednesday 12, Thursday 13 and Friday 14  (Scot Parl 14/06/2024)

Delegated powers in the agriculture and rural communities (Scotland) bill (as amended at stage 2) (Scot Parl 14/06/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Meeting Clerk’s Note (Scot Parl 18/06/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 18/06/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

Fixing poor-quality homes could save the NHS and social care £1.5bn a year (Housing Today 20/05/2024)

Where the Heavens Meet the Stars: A Visionary Project for Doon Valley’s Future (The Scottish Beacon 05/06/2024)

HES urged to ‘wake up and smell coffee’ over climate crisis (Midlothian View 07/06/2024)

Cross-party group calls for immediate action to tackle Scotland’s housing emergency (Scottish Housing News 07/06/2024)

Energy boss calls for urgent reforms to hit UK green targets (Financial Times 09/06/2024)

Rent controls will make housing crisis worse, government agency warns (The Times 10/06/2024)

For new towns to contribute significantly to housing supply, design and delivery must both be right (Centre for Public Policy UK General Election Policy Insights 11/06/2024)

Will I need to spend a lot insulating my home to get a heat pump? (The Guardian 13/06/2024)

Charity calls on ministers to ‘step in and save’ historic battlefield site (The Herald 13/06/2024)

Scottish arts organisations braced for harsh cuts as exodus of talent already underway (The Scotsman 16/06/2024)

Hope and despair. The strange case of Scotland’s ‘protected’ buildings (The Herald 17/06/2024)

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers

MOTIONS

S6M-13502
Submitted by: Paul McLennan, East Lothian, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 05/06/2024
That the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee recommends that the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2024 [draft] be approved.

S6M-13647
Submitted by: Christine Grahame, Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 14/06/2024
That the Parliament notes that 25 out of 32 local authorities have empty homes officers; recognises what it sees as the valued service that they provide; notes their on-the-ground experience of the diversity and complexity of the issue of long-term empty homes, particularly in the private sector, estimated to be around 40,000 houses, and with experience that will vary in different parts of Scotland, and urges the Scottish Government to meet with them as, it believes, this would seem a good place to start to determine what is and is not working to bring as many of these houses back into occupancy as homes.

S6M-13679
Submitted by: Kate Forbes, Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 17/06/2024
That the Parliament recognises that Scotland’s abundant natural resources and hugely talented people mean that there is opportunity to build a strong, successful and inclusive economy that realises the new opportunities from the transition to net zero and the digital revolution; acknowledges that Scotland’s economic potential can be realised through actions to support entrepreneurs, promote science and technology and ensure that the track record of innovation is translated into new businesses and improvements in productivity in all sectors of the economy, and agrees that doing so will build Scotland’s global reputation as a great place to do business, grow exports and secure international and domestic investment.

S6M-13663
Submitted by: Mairi Gougeon, Angus North and Mearns, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 17/06/2024
That the Parliament agrees that the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill be passed.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Introduction to Stonemasonry
Date & Time: Tuesday 25 & Wednesday 26 June 2024; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY12 3DR
Taught by a time-served Stonemason, this course is suitable for all abilities and covers an introduction to tools, techniques, and uses of basic stonemasonry. The course is designed for individuals with little or no experience in cutting and dressing natural stone; building contractors working on traditional stone buildings and structures who just want to learn the basic masonry skills for cutting and dressing sandstone; or a semi-skilled operative who needs to add to his skills set and be able to produce stone masonry units to plumb, level and plane with traditional tooling finishes.

BEFS NEWS

After the recent announcement of the general election (UK) it has been announced that the Programme for Government (PFG) is now expected to take place in its ‘usual September slot’. The PFG team have confirmed they are returning to the original schedule planned prior to the change in First Minister, with proposals to be shared with relevant Scottish Government teams in June.  A slimmed down Programme is anticipated, framed around the four themes shared by John Swinney when setting out his government priorities in Parliament, namely eradicating child poverty; growing the economy; tackling the climate emergency; and improving public services.
A date for the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) has not yet been confirmed.

More on politics, Culture Counts has sent correspondence to the new First Minister and Cabinet Secretary querying the decision to remove the role of Minister for Culture, Europe, and International Development.

And on a final political note, The Heritage Alliance have issued a call in advance of the general election, encouraging all heritage organisations to consider action! The Heritage Manifesto 2024 published earlier this year is now more relevant than ever.

BEFS are pleased to see that the Social Value Toolkit (launched in 2021), which provides guidance on assessing and working with the social value of heritage places, is now seeking user feedback. Researchers at the University of Stirling are inviting input on how the Toolkit is being used and what further resources might be helpful. Whether you are a regular user or hearing about it for the first time, please share your thoughts via their short online survey.

BEFS congratulates all those nominated and the winners of the 2024 RIAS Awards, which were revealed this week. The eleven winning projects demonstrate outstanding new architecture across Scotland, including homes, workplaces, community, and cultural buildings. The winners of the RIAS Awards will now form the longlist for the prestigious RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award. The Doolan Award shortlist will be announced in July, with the winner revealed in November. More details on the 2024 RIAS Award winners can be found on the RIAS website.

And finally, Planning for Doors Open Days 2024, Scotland’s largest free festival celebrating places and stories, is underway. Find out more about this year’s September dates across Scotland and how to get involved. But if you can’t wait until September, there’s a bumper summer crop of events to explore in this edition of BEFS Bulletin!

CONSULTATIONS

National Performance Framework: Inquiry into proposed National Outcomes
Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Government must, by law, review the National Outcomes for Scotland at least every five years. The Scottish Parliament must be consulted on proposed National Outcomes and considers the consultation the Government has carried out. The Scottish Government’s Report on proposed National Outcomes and its consultation was published on 2 May 2024. The Finance and Public Administration Committee is leading in considering the proposed National Outcomes, although some other Committees will wish to consider evidence in their areas of interest. There is one consultation for all Committees which seeks your views on the Government’s proposed National Outcomes.
Closes 28 June 2024

Inventory of Historic Battlefields – Revisions to Selection Guidance
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
HES is proposing revisions to the battlefields selection guidance in response to recommendations made by Lichfields UK in a report that was commissioned in 2021 to inform best practice in the designation and management of inventory battlefields in the planning system. Many organisations and individuals play an important role in looking after Scotland’s historic battlefields, and their views are being requested to help HES to shape the changes being made to guidance to be applied when designating inventory battlefields.
*New* Closes 2 July 2024

Time limits for enforcement action for unauthorised Environmental Impact Assessment development
Scottish Government
Comments are invited on proposals to disapply Section 124 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (‘the 1997 Act’) concerning the time limits for taking enforcement action on unauthorised development which requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This follows a case of unauthorised development in Northern Ireland for which an EIA was required, but not undertaken. The need for EIA was only identified after the time limit for enforcement had expired and the development was immune from enforcement action. As the Scottish planning system is like the system in Northern Ireland, the Scottish Government considers it is possible, although unlikely, that a similar situation could arise in Scotland.
Closes 11 July 2024

Review of charity regulation
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government ran a consultation in 2019 about proposals the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) had made on improvements to the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. In response to that consultation, it was noted that some respondents wanted a wider review of charity regulation. This consultation aims to understand if people still feel that way and if so, what they think should be the purpose and parameters for a review.
Closes 22 July 2024

Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations
Scottish Law Commission
In March 2018, a Scottish Parliament Working Group was convened to explore what actions could be taken to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements. The Scottish Law Commission’s project follows from a reference under the Law Commissions Act 1965 received on 10 January 2022 from the (then) Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government (Shona Robison MSP). The reference asks for recommendations to be made to implement the Working Group’s recommendation that all tenements should have an owners’ association. Consultation is critical in all law reform projects to ensure that the final recommendations would, if implemented, result in law which is just, principled, responsive, and easy to understand.
Closes 1 August 2024

Flood resilience strategy
Scottish Government
Scotland’s climate has changed significantly and will continue to change for decades to come, resulting in the need to learn to live with and adapt to flooding in Scotland. The Flood Resilience Strategy will set out what needs to be done in the long term to create a flood resilient Scotland. The consultation paper sets out the principles guiding the strategy and the three key themes of people, places, and processes. These have been developed following a series of workshops and engagement with communities, practitioners, and researchers in 2023. The consultation paper contains full background information.
*New* Closes 13 August 2024

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government have committed to reform and modernise compulsory purchase legislation. As a first step, they have established an advisory group to help support the reform programme. The group, to be co-chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, brings together several expert practitioners with first-hand experience of the compulsory purchase process. They recognise, however, that a range of organisations have an interest in this area and are consulting broadly and are keen to hear from a wide range of voices as the work moves forward.
Please get in touch at CPO.Reform@gov.scot

Strategic Plan Survey
Scottish Civic Trust
The Scottish Civic Trust are refreshing their Strategic Plan. To inform their future activities they are surveying people across Scotland about key themes related to their work. All input will help them better empower Scotland’s communities to act for shared spaces and places. All survey results are anonymous and will be stored on a Google Drive to which only Scottish Civic Trust has access. Analysed and summarised survey results will be shared in reports to Scottish Civic Trust’s funders and may appear in their annual reports.

NEWS RELEASES

Scotland’s Landscape Charter Review: workshop summary April 2024 (Scotland’s Landscape Alliance 03/05/2024)

Amid difficult landscape, 43 churches are saved for the future (National Churches Trust 10/05/2024)

What are local heat and energy efficiency strategies [LHEES]? (The Engine Shed 17/05/2024)

Homeownership for young adults has recovered to its 2010 level (Institute for Fiscal Studies 29/05/2024)

2024 Winners of Europe’s top heritage awards announced by the European Commission and Europa Nostra (Europa Nostra 30/05/2024)

General Election 2024: Scottish Civic Trust Manifesto (Scottish Civic Trust 03/06/2024)

COSLA has published its ‘Significant Seven’ asks for the incoming UK Government ahead of the general election. (COSLA 04/06/2024)

Scotland’s national architecture awards – RIAS Awards winners revealed (RIAS 04/06/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

The Heritage Manifesto 2024 (The Heritage Alliance April 2024)

Spotlight on: Low-income households (UK Heritage Pulse April 2024)

Third Sector Tracker and key stats on the size and shape of the Scottish voluntary sector (SCVO May 2024)

Focusing on the Skills Construction Needs (Construction Skills Network Scotland May 2024)

Labour market intelligence Report Scotland 2024-2028 (CITB 15/05/2024)

Report on rural and coastal housing crisis identifies ‘ghost enclaves’ of low-use homes and calls for action on second homes and short lets (abrdn Financial Fairness Trust 15/05/2024)

Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies: Historic and Traditional Buildings (HES 16/05/2024)

Letters to the new First Minister and Cabinet Secretary (Culture Counts 28/05/2024)

Reality and Delivery: Achieving Net Zero in Scotland’s Homes (Our Scottish Future 30/05/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Correspondence between the Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Committee to the Department for Education regarding their lack of engagement on the committee’s inquiry on children, young people and the built environment (UK Parl 15/04/2024)

Correspondence between the Finance and Public Administration Committee and committee conveners regarding its scrutiny of the proposed national outcomes arising from the Scottish Government’s recent review (Scot Parl 03/05/2024)

New levelling up powers to fill empty shops across England (UK Gov 14/05/2024)

Cladding Remediation Bill passed (Scot Gov 14/05/2024)

Correspondence between Mairi Gougeon and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport on issues related to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 14/05/2024)

Delegated powers in the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill, as amended at Stage 2 (Scot Parl 14/05/2024)

Submission from the Climate Emergency Response Group to the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee on the NPF4 annual review (Scot Parl 14/05/2024)

Community Energy Generation Growth Fund (Scot Gov 15/05/2024)

Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill as amended at Stage 2 (Scot Parl 15/05/2024)

The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) (Amendment) Order 2024 Impact Assessments (Scot Gov 16/05/2024)

Working together to realise Scotland’s economic potential (Scot Gov 17/05/2024)

Official statistics: forthcoming publications (Scot Gov 17/05/2024)

Scottish local government finance statistics (SLGFS) 2022-23: workbooks (Scot Gov 17/05/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee: National Planning Framework 4 annual review (Scot Parl 21/05/2024)

Scotland’s Carbon Footprint: 1998-2020 (Scot Gov 21/05/2024)

Community action to reach net zero (Scot Gov 21/05/2024)

Priorities for Scotland: First Minister’s statement (Scot Gov 22/05/2024)

Single Building Assessment programme: spending information (Scot Gov 22/05/2024)

Planning and environmental appeals: guidance for reporters (Scot Gov 22/05/2024)

Short Term Lets Licensing Statistics, to 31 December 2023 (Scot Gov 23/05/2024)

Planning: core documents library (23/05/2024)

Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme: Progress Report 2023-2024 (Scot Gov 23/05/2024)

Correspondence between the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee and Mairi Gougeon asking for clarification surrounding the government’s planned amendments to the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill in relation to the rural support plan (Scot Parl 23/05/2024)

Levelling Up Partnership funding confirmed (UK Gov 24/05/2024)

Long-Term Plan for Towns: Long-Term Plan guidance (UK Gov 24/05/2024)

£5 million for Scotland’s island communities (Scot Gov 24/05/2024)

Visitor Levy Bill passed (Scot Gov 28/05/2024)

Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill – stage 3 debate: Investment Minister statement (Scot Gov 28/05/2024)

Climate change monitoring report 2024 (Scot Gov 28/05/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Official Report & Minutes (Scot Parl 28/05/2024)

Planning circular 1/2024: householder permitted development rights (Scot Gov 28/05/2024)

Planning circular 2/2024: non-domestic permitted development rights (Scot Gov 28/05/2024)

Correspondence between The Open University and the Economy and Fair Work Committee expressing disappointment about funding cuts for upskilling and reskilling (Scot Parl 28/05/2024)

Local government finance circular 6/2024: council tax on second and long-term unoccupied homes guidance (Scot Gov 29/05/2024)

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC): Cross Sector Working Group minutes – March 2024 (Scot Gov 29/05/2024)

Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 29/05/2024)

The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (Scotland) regulations 2020: EQIA (Scot Gov 29/05/2024)

Scottish Building Standards Hub – May 2024 Update (Scot Gov 29/05/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Annual Report 2023-24 (Scot Parl 30/05/2024)

Public appointment: Members appointed to the Board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (Scot Gov 30/05/2024)

List of special advisers who provide advice across all portfolio areas in the Scottish Government (Scot Gov 31/05/2024)

BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 108 (Scot Gov 31/05/2024)

Infrastructure levy for Scotland: discussion paper (Scot Gov 03/06/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 04/06/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Meeting (Scot Parl 04/06/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

RIAS Quarterly: The Secret Lives of Buildings (Fraser/Livingstone Architects 01/04/2024)

Aviemore’s Earth House Wins BBC Scotland’s Home of the Year Award (BBC 10/05/2024)

Kate Forbes takes on key Minister for Culture responsibilities (The Herald 15/05/2024)

Championing improvement in Scotland’s planning system (Local Government Information Unit 15/05/2024)

Retrofit experts highlight critical actions required to reach net zero targets (Scottish Housing News 15/05/2024)

The beauty of concrete (Works in Progress 17/05/2024)

Mackintosh building restoration should be taken out of Glasgow art school’s hands, say experts (The Guardian 23/05/2024)

Culture Minister Lucy Frazer struggles to name any ‘at risk’ arts organisations (Arts Professional 23/05/2024)

Scotland’s net zero climate targets ‘never possible’ admits McAllan (The Herald 28/05/2024)

Heat pumps clarity would help our obligations on route to net zero (The Herald 28/05/2024)

New commission set up to protect built heritage in Glasgow (Glasgow Times 29/05/2024)

Scottish Empty Homes Partnership welcomes new national manager (Scottish Housing News 29/05/2024)

High-skilled apprenticeships have high returns – but funding via a ‘crackdown’ on higher education courses is challenging (IPPR 30/05/2024)

Scottish Borders Council declares housing emergency (BBC News 30/05/2024)

Global tourism is booming. These people would rather it wasn’t (BBC News 31/05/2024)

Retrofit work overshadows new builds at 2024 RIAS Awards (Urban Realm 4/06/2024)

MOTIONS

S6M-13197
Submitted by: Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour.
Date lodged: 13/05/2024
That the Parliament believes that Scotland is in a housing emergency and that the housing emergency is more acutely felt in some parts of the country than others; acknowledges that the current situation is due to a combination of factors including those out with the Scottish Government’s powers, including a decade of UK Government austerity, soaring inflation and an increasing cost of living, labour shortages linked to Brexit, and a freeze to local housing allowance (LHA) rates; calls on the UK Government to reverse the near 9% cut in Scotland’s capital funding settlement, commit to ensuring that LHA rates will permanently meet at least the 30th percentile of local rents, and provide adequate support to local authorities impacted by the increase in asylum support cessations; recognises the Scottish Government’s record on delivering affordable homes and action taken on rent rises; notes that in 2024-25, despite the UK Government imposing a cut to its capital budget, the Scottish Government will invest nearly £600 million in affordable housing and over £90 million for discretionary housing payments; welcomes the actions in the Housing (Scotland) Bill to tackle rising rent levels and the continued focus on the target of delivering 110,000 high-quality, energy efficient affordable homes; agrees that the Scottish Government, UK Government and local authorities must work together to deliver a housing system that meets the needs of the people of Scotland; notes that there are a record number of people in Scotland experiencing homelessness with almost 10,000 children stuck in temporary accommodation and 45 children becoming homeless in Scotland every day; calls on the Scottish Ministers to bring forward an urgent housing emergency action plan to tackle the issues raised by the Scottish Government’s own expert Homelessness Prevention Task and Finish Group, including actions that will reduce the number of children stuck in temporary accommodation by the end of this parliamentary session; recognises the need to improve capacity in local government to prevent more local homelessness services falling into systemic failure, and the need to improve delivery for those with specific supported living needs, and calls on the Scottish Ministers to review how national government, local authorities and third sector partners are working together on the shared ambition to end homelessness.

S6M-13174
Submitted by: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged: 13/05/2024
That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the Scottish Law Commission’s discussion paper on the proposed scheme for tenement owners’ associations; recognises that this discussion paper follows the work of the Tenement Maintenance Working Group, convened at the Scottish Parliament in March 2018, which was established to explore actions that could be taken to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements, including those in the Central Scotland region; acknowledges that the Scottish Law Commission’s project responds to the Tenement Maintenance Working Group’s recommendation that every tenement building in Scotland should have an owners’ association to coordinate work to the building, and a corresponding reference received from the Scottish Government to that effect in January 2022; notes the discussion paper’s proposals concerning the functions, powers and duties of a tenement owners’ association, including the role of an association manager, decision-making procedures, liability of owners for costs and the implementation of an annual budgeting system, and further notes the encouragement for those with an interest in the issues raised in the discussion paper to respond to its proposals before 1 August 2024, in order to shape the recommendations made in the Scottish Law Commission’s final report.

S6M-13349
Submitted by: Tom Arthur, Renfrewshire South, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 22/05/2024
That the Parliament agrees that the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill be passed.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers

DPEA – Planning Appeals Training for Communities
Date & Time: Wednesday 12 June 2024; 6-7:30pm
Location: Online
The Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) is part of the Scottish Government, dealing with planning appeals and a range of casework including wind farm proposals and electricity infrastructure. Join this event to hear about DPEA’s role, how it works and how communities can get involved. Open to all Community Councils and community groups. Planning Aid Scotland and DPEA reporters will introduce the key themes, followed by a panel discussion on questions from the audience. If you have any questions, please send an email by 31 May 2024. Make sure you use the subject heading ‘Planning Appeals Training’ so it reaches the right person. Please click here to book your place and joining instructions will be sent to you via email.

C&BS – Philanthropy Matters: Activating Legacy Giving
Date & Time: Tuesday 18 June & Tuesday 25 June 2024; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
This live classroom online course, led by Marina Jones, gives you the best possible foundations for activating and running legacy campaigns. Using a mix of presentation, small group discussion, real world practical case studies and academic research, you will learn how to raise more money from legacies. By the end of the course, you’ll have a strong understanding of the potential and joy of legacy fundraising and a plan for your legacy campaign. You’ll also feel more confident in how to approach legacy marketing with your Board, your staff and your audience.

RIAS – Retrofit, home design and ethics in Architecture
Date & Time: Tuesday 18 June 2024; 2-5pm
Location: Online
The RIAS are pleased to welcome Dr Heba Sarhan, Research Fellow – Architecture, University of Strathclyde and Michael Dougall, Director at O’Donnell Brown, for an insightful event exploring ethical approaches to housing design. This session will look at: home design as a tool for supporting access to experiencing ‘home’ and alleviating barriers of social inequality, research on how home design affects well-being and examples and case studies for achieving accessible, adaptable home design in practice.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Introduction to Stonemasonry
Date & Time: Tuesday 25 & Wednesday 26 June 2024; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY12 3DR
Taught by a time-served Stonemason, this course is suitable for all abilities and covers an introduction to tools, techniques, and uses of basic stonemasonry. The course is designed for individuals with little or no experience in cutting and dressing natural stone; building contractors working on traditional stone buildings and structures who just want to learn the basic masonry skills for cutting and dressing sandstone; or a semi-skilled operative who needs to add to his skills set and be able to produce stone masonry units to plumb, level and plane with traditional tooling finishes.

BEFS NEWS

First Minister John Swinney recently announced his new cabinet and ministerial team. The reshuffle presents a range of changes, most notably the loss of a Minister with responsibility for Culture. However, it is the changes in language that BEFS considers most significant; you can read more on those changes, and the potential alterations to the National Performance Framework, in BEFS Director’s most recent blog.

Last week also saw the Tenement Maintenance Working Group have an event at the Scottish Parliament to promote the consultation related to the long-awaited Scottish Law Commission discussion paper on Owner’s Associations. We commend the work done to this point and hope that all those with an interest in this area will respond to the consultation paper.

BEFS was delighted to collaborate with a wide range of partners on the CIOB-led report Meeting Scotland’s Retrofit Challenge: Solutions from the Industry.  Co-designed to highlight the unique challenges associated with the widescale uptake of retrofit, the report identifies opportunities and ways to mitigate barriers. The document encourages government action through key policy recommendations, including establishing a Ministerial Oversight Group on Retrofit and developing a long-term Retrofit Delivery Plan with a joined-up approach to funding, regulating, and incentivising retrofit work across Scotland.

When it comes to meeting challenges, we also want to draw readers’ attention to the publication from The Heritage Alliance: On The Brink: Heritage in the Cost-of-Living Crisis- Heritage Alliance Insight Report. This report sets out the critical effects of the ongoing cost of living crisis on heritage. Following 18 months of data gathering, the research highlights how new challenges have deepened cracks in the foundations of our sector.

Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) have announced a new strategic partnership to promote and protect Scotland’s historic environment. The collaboration will raise awareness of HES funding programmes and the new Historic Environment sector strategy, with a focus on what they mean for towns. STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie emphasised the partnership’s potential to support communities in preserving and enhancing their cultural assets and historic town centre buildings. At the same time, Alison Turnbull from HES highlighted the opportunity to advocate for heritage as a key element of successful placemaking.

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) and the Landmark Trust are both embarking on significant projects to save and restore iconic historic buildings in Scotland. While the Landmark Trust has secured funding worth £5.3 million from the National Heritage Memorial Fund to acquire and stabilize Mavisbank House, the GSA is updating its business case for the faithful reinstatement of the fire-damaged Mackintosh Building, alongside arbitration proceedings with insurers. Both projects highlight the role of cultural heritage in regenerating local areas.

And finally, CIfA has announced the appointment of a new CEO Nathan Baker, who will join in early June. Nathan replaces Peter Hinton, who is retiring from the role after more than 25 years. We extend our sincere appreciation to Pete for his extensive and well-informed involvement with BEFS over the years and wish him the best in his retirement.

CONSULTATIONS

Housing (Scotland) Bill Call for Views
Scottish Parliament
The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Social Justice and Social Security Committee are seeking views on the Housing (Scotland) Bill. The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee is the lead committee for the Bill, but the Social Justice and Social Security Committee will consider Part 5 (making provision about homelessness prevention) and Part 6 (insofar as it relates to fuel poverty) as these matters fall within its remit.
Closes 17 May 2024

Call for Views on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee is seeking your views on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. The Bill was introduced by the Scottish Government on 13 March and covers land reform – there are various provisions imposing requirements in relation to owners of larger estates and the transfer of larger estates; lease for environmental purposes – the Bill requires the Scottish Government to publish a model lease for environmental purposes; and small landholdings and agricultural tenancies – there are various provisions in the Bill which the Scottish Government says are to modernise the law. Find out more about the Bill and read its accompanying documents
Closes 21 May 2024

Masterplan Consent Area Regulations
Scottish Government
The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced MCAs – which will enable planning authorities to take a place leadership role, by proactively consenting the type and quality of development they wish to see in their areas. The Masterplan consent area regulations consultation covers the type of development which can be authorised, potential locations for MCAs and the procedures for making a scheme. It includes two sets of regulations: covering the main process for making MCA schemes and relating to EIA of MCA schemes. The separate consultation on ‘Investing in Planning’ also includes proposals for recouping costs of preparing MCA schemes.
Closes 22 May 2024

Development plan amendment regulations
Scottish Government
With the move to National Planning Framework (NPF) and Local Development Plans (LDPs) having a review period of 10 years, the 2019 Act introduced the provision for them to be amended between full review cycles. This enables the planning system to respond where newly emerging matters arise.
The development plan amendment regulations consultation covers proposals for the regulations. The aim is for procedures to amend both NPF and LDP to be proportionate and to provide a process that is more responsive and streamlined, whilst balancing the need for robust justification, engagement, and scrutiny. This will ultimately give decision makers some flexibility of process, based on the scale and significance of the amendments.
Closes 22 May 2024

Investing in Planning
Scottish Government
This consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system is in response to current resourcing challenges. It builds on ideas generated in a stakeholder workshop held in November 2023 and sets out a series of proposals which aim to improve capacity and build resilience particularly within planning authorities.  In addition to inviting stakeholder views on the proposals outlined, the consultation encourages stakeholders to suggest further ideas on alternative ways to support delivery and build resilience.
Closes 31 May 2024

National Performance Framework: Inquiry into proposed National Outcomes
Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Government must, by law, review the National Outcomes for Scotland at least every five years. The Scottish Parliament must be consulted on proposed National Outcomes and considers the consultation the Government has carried out. The Scottish Government’s Report on proposed National Outcomes and its consultation was published on 2 May 2024. The Finance and Public Administration Committee is leading in considering the proposed National Outcomes, although some other Committees will wish to consider evidence in their areas of interest. There is one consultation for all Committees which seeks your views on the Government’s proposed National Outcomes.
*NEW* Closes 28 June 2024

Time limits for enforcement action for unauthorised Environmental Impact Assessment development
Scottish Government
Comments are invited on proposals to disapply Section 124 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (‘the 1997 Act’) concerning the time limits for taking enforcement action on unauthorised development which requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This follows a case of unauthorised development in Northern Ireland for which an EIA was required, but not undertaken. The need for EIA was only identified after the time limit for enforcement had expired and the development was immune from enforcement action. As the Scottish planning system is like the system in Northern Ireland, the Scottish Government considers it is possible, although unlikely, that a similar situation could arise in Scotland.
Closes 11 July 2024

Review of charity regulation
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government ran a consultation in 2019 about proposals the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) had made on improvements to the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. In response to that consultation, it was noted that some respondents wanted a wider review of charity regulation. This consultation aims to understand if people still feel that way and if so, what they think should be the purpose and parameters for a review.
*NEW* Closes 22 July 2024

Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations
Scottish Law Commission
In March 2018, a Scottish Parliament Working Group was convened to explore what actions could be taken to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements. The Scottish Law Commission’s project follows from a reference under the Law Commissions Act 1965 received on 10 January 2022 from the (then) Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government (Shona Robison MSP). The reference asks for recommendations to be made to implement the Working Group’s recommendation that all tenements should have an owners’ association. Consultation is critical in all law reform projects to ensure that the final recommendations would, if implemented, result in law which is just, principled, responsive, and easy to understand.
*NEW* Closes 1 August 2024

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government have committed to reform and modernise compulsory purchase legislation. As a first step, they have established an advisory group to help support the reform programme. The group, to be co-chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, brings together several expert practitioners with first-hand experience of the compulsory purchase process. They recognise, however, that a range of organisations have an interest in this area and are consulting broadly and are keen to hear from a wide range of voices as the work moves forward.
Please get in touch at CPO.Reform@gov.scot

Strategic Plan Survey – Scottish Civic Trust
The Scottish Civic Trust are refreshing their Strategic Plan. To inform their future activities they are surveying people across Scotland about key themes related to their work. All input will help them better empower Scotland’s communities to act for shared spaces and places. All survey results are anonymous and will be stored on a Google Drive to which only Scottish Civic Trust has access. Analysed and summarised survey results will be shared in reports to Scottish Civic Trust’s funders and may appear in their annual reports.

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Parliamentary Report: Consultation with Parliament in connection with the Review of National Outcomes (Scot Parl 01/05/2024)

NEWS RELEASES

New guide on how to create 20-minute neighbourhood launched (University of Dundee 19/04/2024)

Scotland’s Towns Partnership joins forces with Historic Environment Scotland (STP 07/05/2024)

Polling shows strong UK public support for deposit return scheme roll out (Tomra/Diffley Partnership 08/05/2024)

Mavisbank House saved for the nation (National Heritage Memorial Fund 10/05/2024)

Glasgow School of Art in arbitration proceedings over Macintosh Building (Glasgow School of Art 10/05/2024)

7 Most Endangered programme 2025: Call for Nominations (Europa Nostra 14/05/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

UK Cities Intelligence – Issue 3: Retrofit at Scale (ARUP April 2024)

Understanding the 20-Minute Neighbourhood: Making opportunities for people to live well locally (University of Dundee April 2024)

Championing natural materials to de-risk retrofit (Sustainable Development Foundation 09/04/2024)

The impact of climate change on cultural heritage (European Parliament Think Tank 18/04/2024)

Scotland Visitor Survey 2023: Summary (Visit Scotland 07/05/2024)

Is the city planned and built for me? (Journal of Accessibility and Design for All 11/05/2024)
Citizens’ experiences of inclusion, exclusion and (un)equal living conditions in the built environment.

The Macroeconomic Policy Outlook Q2 2024 (The Resolution Foundation 13/05/2024)

Meeting Scotland’s Retrofit Challenge: solutions from the industry (CIOB and partners 15/05/2024)

On The Brink: Heritage in the Cost-of-Living Crisis- Heritage Alliance Insight Report (The Heritage Alliance 15/05/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Heat networks regulation – consumer protection (UK Gov April 2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee [Draft] minutes (Scot Parl 16/04/2024)

Correspondence between the Regulatory Review Group and the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, about the forthcoming Circular Economy Bill (Scot Gov 30/04/2024)

Planning and environmental appeals: guidance for reporters (Scot Gov 30/04/2024)

National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal (UK Gov 30/04/2024)

Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill – Stage 2 Marshalled List and Revised Groupings of Amendments (Scot Parl 02/05/2024)

Correspondence between The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee and Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding EU tracker reports and future decarbonised heat in buildings (Scot Parl 02/05/2024)

Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill – Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment (Scot Gov 03/05/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 07/05/2024)

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Official Report (Scot Parl 07/05/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, 14^th meeting 2024 (Scot Parl 07/05/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee [Draft] minutes (Scot Parl 07/05/2024)

Scottish Budget 2022 to 2023: final outturn report (Scot Gov 08/05/2024)

Planning and environmental appeals: guidance for reporters (Scot Gov 08/05/2024)

Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3 Marshalled List and Revised Groupings of Amendments, revised explanatory notes, supplementary financial memorandum and a supplementary delegated powers memorandum (Scot Parl 08/05/2024)

Scottish Government: Cabinet and Ministers (Scot Gov 10/05/2024)

4th Islands Forum opens up collaboration on housing for islands (UK Gov 11/05/2024)

Management of burial grounds, application for burial, exhumation, private burial and restoration of lairs – regulation: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 13/05/2024)

National Planning Framework 4 annual review – clerks note (Scot Parl 14/05/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

Why has the ‘15-minute city’ taken off in Paris but become a controversial idea in the UK? (The Guardian 06/04/2024)

The story of Glasgow’s built heritage that’s been left to rot (Glasgow Evening Time 01/05/2024)

RAAC concrete house was meant to be our forever home (BBC News 03/05/2024)

Neon, kilts, cricket bats: artisans gather to shine a light on Britain’s endangered crafts (The Guardian 04/05/2024)

Peter Reekie keeps net zero at front of Scottish Futures Trust’s agenda (Scottish Construction Now 07/05/2024)

Interpretation of National Planning Framework 4 – the Miller Homes, Tesco Stores and Wildcat Haven cases (Brodies LLP 07/05/2024)

‘We’d be losing part of ourselves’ – saving stained glass in Scotland (The Herald 11/05/2024)

MOTIONS

S6M-13008
Submitted by: Maurice Golden, Northeast Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date Lodged: 29/04/2024.
That the Parliament considers that tackling climate change is one of the greatest challenges that the world faces and that Scotland set world-leading targets; is disappointed at reports that the Scottish Government has no credible pathway to meet the interim 2030 target, described as too stretching with just six years left to reach it; understands that the Scottish Government has failed to meet eight of its last 12 emissions targets; notes the belief that a draft climate change plan must be introduced with the utmost urgency; further notes the view that transformational policies must be introduced to tackle, mitigate and adapt to climate change, in line with just transition principles, and considers that this process, as part of the journey to a more circular economy, will have benefits for Scotland, including communities in the North East Scotland region, as well as contribute to the global effort in tackling climate change.

S6M-13085
Submitted by: Colin Beattie, Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Scottish National Party.
Date Lodged: 07/05/2024.
That the Parliament congratulates Archaeology Scotland’s Energy Through Time project, based in Midlothian, on receiving a share in funding from the Scottish Power Foundation; understands that Archaeology Scotland, formerly known as the Council for Scottish Archaeology, is a membership organisation that seeks to promote the understanding of archaeology in Scotland; notes that the group works with lay people and academia to help care for the great history of Scotland’s archaeological heritage; understands that the project will work with teachers, children and young people from the most deprived quintile to co-design inclusive and engaging enquiry-based learning activities and challenging skills development through levels two and three of the Employability Pipeline; believes that the funding will allow the group to continue what it sees as the valuable support that it provides, and thanks the group for its ongoing work and commitment to the community.

S6M-13197
Submitted by: Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour.
Date lodged: 13/05/2024.
The Parliament believes that Scotland is in a housing emergency.

S6M-13190
Submitted by: Paul McLennan, East Lothian, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 13/05/2024.
The Parliament agrees that the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill be passed.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers