SB 06-110 Marine Protected Areas (pdf 299kb)
This briefing examines the environmental benefits of marine protected areas and other potential strategies to protect sea-life. It is included in a series of briefings about the marine environment. The Marine Environment (SB 06-109) examines the species and habitats that are found in the sea around Scotland and includes some general information about human uses of the marine environment. Marine Spatial Planning (SB 06-111) explains the activities that occur in the sea and the current system of planning, legislation and policies.

SB 06-109 The Marine Environment (pdf 272kb)
This has been prepared for members of the Environment and Rural Development Committee. It provides some background information on Scotland’s marine environment. Two other SPICe briefings have been prepared on the specific issues of: Marine Protected Areas (SB 06-110) and Marine Spatial Planning (SB 06-111)

SB 06-108 Biofuels (pdf 145kb)

This briefing provides an introduction to biofuels and their European, UK and Scottish policy framework.  It also considers some of the complex and diverse arguments surrounding their use and the development of a global market.

(This briefing has been updated by SB 08-07 posted 5 February 2008)

SB 06-107 Sea Fishing: Quotas for 2007 (pdf 82.8kb)

This briefing highlights some of the important issues in advance of the December 2006 EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting at which fishing quotas and days at sea will be set for 2007.

SB 06-106 Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill: Parliamentary Consideration Prior to Stage 3 (pdf 202kb)

This briefing summarises the legislative and non-legislative recommendations made by the Justice 2 Committee in its Stage 1 Report and describes the actions which have been taken in the run up to and during Stage 2 proceeding

SB 06-105 Key Economic Indicators (pdf 109kb)

This quarterly briefing provides a selection of indicators on different aspects of the Scottish economy.

SB 06-104 Employability and Not In Employment, Education or Training (NEET) (pdf 320kb)

This paper provides background information for the Scottish Parliament Enterprise and Culture Committee’s roundtable discussion on the Scottish Executive’s Employability Framework, Workforce Plus, and their NEET strategy, More Choices, More Chances.

SB 06-103 Scottish Register of Tartans Bill (pdf 119kb)

The Scottish Register of Tartans Bill was introduced in the Parliament on 28 September 2006 by Jamie McGrigor MSP. This briefing summarises the Bill and provides some of the arguments that have been presented for and against it.

SB 06-102 Rural Development 2007-2013 (pdf 97.7kb)

This paper provides some background information on the preparation of a rural development plan for Scotland 2007-2013 by the Scottish Executive.

SB 06-101 Adoption and Children (Scotland) Bill Parliamentary Consideration Prior to Stage 3 (pdf 161kb)

This briefing summarises the legislative and non-legislative recommendations made by the Education Committee in its Stage 1 Report and the Executive’s response to the Report. It also summarises the key amendments passed at Stage 2 and considers the key areas of debate where no amendments were passed.

SB 06-100 Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Bill: Parliamentary Consideration Prior to Stage 3 (pdf 182kb)

This briefing summarises the legislative and non-legislative recommendations made by the Enterprise and Culture Committee in its Stage 1 Report and describes the actions which have been taken in the run up to and during Stage 2 proceedings. 

SB 06-99 Civil Appeals (Scotland) Bill (pdf 198kb)

The Civil Appeals (Scotland) Bill seeks to end the current possibility of appeal to the House of Lords in relation to Scottish civil cases and replace it with an additional level of appeal within Scotland. The briefing considers the provisions of the Bill, including questions of legislative competence. It also looks at current arrangements for appeals in Scottish cases and arguments relevant to the debate on whether a Scottish court should be the final court of appeal in Scottish civil cases.

SB 06-98 Tail Docking of Dogs (Updated) (pdf 68.7kb)

The majority of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 was brought into force on Friday 6 October 2006, apart from the section which will affect procedures carried out on animals, including tail docking of dogs. This briefing explains the current position regarding the tail docking of dogs in Scotland and includes details of a Scottish Executive consultation, and also the passage of the Animal Welfare Bill through the UK Parliament, now enacted as the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

(This briefing updates SB 06-74 posted 6 October 2006)

SB 06-97 High Speed Rail (pdf 203kb)

This briefing summarises the key technologies behind high speed rail operations and provides a brief history of the development of high speed rail networks across Europe and elsewhere.  It looks at the development of high speed rail within the UK to date and the possible construction of a high speed rail network across the UK.

(This briefing has been updated by SB 08-43 posted 8 September 2008)

SB 06-96 Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Bill: Key Issues (pdf 266kb)

In 2004 Sir Michael Bichard headed an urgent inquiry into the child protection procedures, as instructed by David Blunkett, the then Home Secretary. His report was published in June 2004. The Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Bill is the Scottish Executive’s response to recommendation 19 of the Bichard Report. This briefing outlines a selection of key issues associated with the Bill.

SB 06-95 Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Bill: Background and Main Proposals (pdf 337kb)

In 2004 Sir Michael Bichard headed an urgent inquiry into the child protection procedures, as instructed by David Blunkett, the then Home Secretary. His report was published in June 2004. The Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Bill is the Scottish Executive’s response to recommendation 19 of the Bichard Report. This briefing outlines the current system in Scotland and the main proposals in the Bill.

SB 06-94 Rights of Relatives to Damages (Mesothelioma) (Scotland) Bill (pdf 507kb)

The Rights of Relatives to Damages (Mesothelioma) (Scotland) Bill (SP Bill 75) was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 27 September 2006. This Briefing considers mesothelioma from a medical point of view before looking at discussion of mesothelioma in the Scottish Parliament through debate, public petition and committee inquiry. It considers the Scottish Executive proposal to amend the law of damages as it applies to relatives of those who contracted mesothelioma as well as the law of personal injury damages more generally. It addresses issues surrounding the Bill itself, including statutory history, the Compensation Act passed at Westminster (the subject of a Legislative Consent Memorandum in the Scottish Parliament) that overturned the House of Lords judgement in Barker v Corus.

SB 06-93 Population Ageing (pdf 285kb)

There has been much discussion lately around the implications of population ageing in a Scottish, UK and global context. This paper will present some facts and figures on population ageing at home and abroad, and outline some of its potential positive and negative social and economic effects.

SB 06-92 Provision of Rail Passenger Services (Scotland) Bill (pdf 103kb)

The Provision of Rail Passenger Services (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament by Tommy Sheridan MSP on 29 September 2006.  The Bill would require Scottish Ministers to award the next ScotRail franchise to a not-for-profit company or, where this is not possible, for the Scottish Executive to run the rail service itself.

SB 06-91 The Scottish Commissioner for Human Rights Bill as Amended at Stage 2 (pdf 187kb)

Stage 3 proceedings of the Scottish Commissioner for Human Rights Bill will take place on 2 November 2006. This briefing sets out the legislative stages that precede that debate and provides a table that summarises the Justice 1 Committee recommendations, the Scottish Executive response to those recommendations and the Justice 1 Committee Stage 2 consideration of particular amendments on each topic.

SB 06-90 Equal Opportunities Scottish Executive Policy Overview (pdf 221kb)

This briefing gives an overview of Scottish Executive equality policy.  There are separate briefings on each of the six “equality strands” of age, disability, gender, race, religion and belief and sexual orientation and gender identity.  

SB 06-89 Equal Opportunities Scottish Executive Policy Age (pdf 179kb)

This paper has been prepared for the Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee and is an overview of Scottish Executive policy developments aimed at specific age groups in particular children and young people and older people. It is one of a series of briefings looking at the six ‘equality strands’ and generic equal opportunities policy.

SB 06-88 Equal Opportunities Scottish Executive Policy Disability (pdf 174kb)

This paper has been prepared for the Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee and is an overview of Scottish Executive policy developments on disability, from 1999 to 2006. It is one of a series of briefings looking at the six ‘equality strands’ and generic equal opportunities policy.

SB 06-87 Equal Opportunities Scottish Executive Policy Gender (pdf 191kb)

This paper has been prepared for the Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee and is an overview of Scottish Executive policy developments on gender equality from 1999 to 2006. It is one of a series of briefings looking at the six ‘equality strands’ and generic equal opportunities policy.

SB 06-86 Scottish Executive Equal Opportunities Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (pdf 122kb)

This paper has been prepared for the Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee and is an overview of Scottish Executive policy developments on sexual orientation and gender identity equality from 1999 to 2006. It is one of a series of briefings looking at the six ‘equality strands’ and generic equal opportunities policy.

SB 06-85 Equal Opportunities Scottish Executive Policy Religion and Belief (pdf 128kb)

This paper has been prepared for the Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee and is an overview of Scottish Executive policy developments on religion and belief from 1999 to date. It is one of a series of briefings looking at the six ‘equality strands’ and generic equal opportunities policy.

SB 06-84 Equal Opportunities Scottish Executive Policy Race Equality (pdf 228kb)

This paper has been prepared for the Scottish Parliament Equal Opportunities Committee and is an overview of Scottish Executive policy developments on race equality from 1999 to 2006. It is one of a series of briefings looking at the six ‘equality strands’ and generic equal opportunities policy.

SB 06-83 Early Education and Childcare - Subject Profile (Updated) (pdf 208kb)

This subject profile provides an introduction to some of the key policies in the field of early education and childcare. It updates SB 03-36 published in June 2003.

SB 06-82 Health Board Elections (Scotland) Bill (pdf 214kb)

The Health Board Elections (Scotland) Bill was introduced to Parliament by Bill Butler MSP on 31 March 2006. The aim of the Bill is to allow for the majority of members on each of the 14 area NHS Boards to be democratically elected by the public. This is in response to a perceived democratic deficit in the governance of the NHS in Scotland. This briefing outlines the main provisions of the Bill, the current system of accountability and governance, the main arguments for and against the Bill and recent experience of elections in other health systems.

SB 06-81 Draft Budget 2007-08: Finance and Public Service Reform (Local Government) (pdf 218kb)

This briefing has been prepared to assist the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Transport Committee in their scrutiny of the Draft Budget 2007-08.  It presents trends in the budget relating to the Finance and Public Service Reform portfolio focussing on local government budget allocations, outlines the Objectives and Targets in the portfolio, considers the latest developments in the Scottish Executive’s Efficient Government Initiative and summarises the guidance from the adviser to the Finance Committee on the 2007-08 Draft Budget.

SB 06-80 Custodial Sentences and Weapons (Scotland) Bill: Custodial Sentences (pdf 210kb)

This briefing considers the provisions set out in Parts 1 and 2 of the Custodial Sentences and Weapons (Scotland) Bill. The briefing also sets out current arrangements for the early release of prisoners in Scotland and considers the Sentencing Commission for Scotland's consultation and the responses to the consultation.

SB 06-79 Custodial Sentences and Weapons (Scotland) Bill: Weapons (pdf 229kb)

This briefing considers the provisions on weapons set out in Part 3 of the Custodial Sentences and Weapons (Scotland) Bill. It also sets out background information on crimes involving knives and offensive weapons, the current law in this area and the development of proposals for changes to the law.

SB 06-78 Draft Budget 2007-08 - Education Committee (pdf 175kb)

This briefing has been prepared to assist the Scottish Parliament’s Education Committee in looking at the Draft Budget 2007-08. It presents trends in the budget, outlines the Scottish Executive’s objectives and targets in the Education and Young People portfolio and considers the latest developments in the Executive’s efficient government initiative.

SB 06-77 Draft Budget 2007-08 - Environment and Rural Development Committee (pdf 188kb)

This briefing has been prepared to assist the Scottish Parliament’s Environment and Rural Development Committee to scrutinise the Draft Budget 2007-08. It provides general information on the Draft Budget 2007-08 and specific information on environment and rural development.

Consideration is also given to the cross cutting theme of sustainable development.

SB 06-76 House Prices (Updated) (pdf 145kb)

This briefing provides an overview of key house prices statistics. An overview of trends in house prices at a UK and Scotland level is given. Trends at a regional level are also considered, as are issues of affordability, particularly for first time buyers.
(This briefing has been updated by SB 07-20 posted 1 May 2007)

SB 06-75 Sustainable Development - Scrutiny of Legislation (pdf 452kb)

Scottish Ministers have committed to mainstreaming sustainable development issues in policy and legislation. This SPICe Briefing was requested by the Scottish Parliament Environment and Rural Development Committee to consider how different legislatures, and in particular committees, scrutinise legislation for impacts on the three strands of sustainable development – environment, economy and social. 

SB 06-74 Tail Docking of Dogs  (pdf 71.3kb)

The majority of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 was brought into force on Friday 6 October 2006, apart from the section which will affect procedures carried out on animals, including tail docking of dogs. This briefing explains the current position regarding the tail docking of dogs in Scotland, following the passing and enactment of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

(This briefing has been updated by SB 06-98 posted 14 November 2006)

SB 06-73 Draft Budget 2007-08 (pdf 213kb) - Transport

This briefing has been prepared to assist the Scottish Parliament’s Transport and Local Government Committee in scrutinising the Draft Budget 2007-08. It provides general information on the Draft Budget 2007-08 and specific information on transport.

SB 06-72 Draft Budget 2007-08: Health and Community Care (pdf 205kb)

This briefing has been prepared to assist the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee in scrutinising the Draft Budget 2007-08. It provides general information on the Draft Budget 2007-08 and specific information on Health and Community Care.

SB 06-71 Draft Budget 2007-08 (pdf 187kb)

This briefing summarises some of the overall trends and themes in the Scottish Executive Draft Budget 2007-08.

SB 06-70 Education (School Meals etc.) (Scotland) Bill (pdf 153kb)

This Education (School Meals etc.) (Scotland) Bill was introduced by Frances Curran, MSP on 28 September. It proposes free school meals in primary schools, statutory nutritional standards and a complaints system. This briefing looks at this Bill, the Parliamentary scrutiny of a previous Bill proposing free school meals and compares the provisions to the Executive’s Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill.

SB 06-69 Prostitution (Public Places) (Scotland) Bill (pdf 128kb)

This briefing provides background information on the Prostitution (Public Places) (Scotland) Bill, as introduced in the Scottish Parliament on 15 September 2006. The aim of the Bill is to make it an offence to cause “alarm, offence or nuisance” through soliciting or loitering to sell or buy sexual services. The purpose of the Bill is to deal with the negative consequences of street prostitution for communities. It does not make the sale or purchase of sexual services an offence in itself.

SB 06-68 Draft Budget 2007-08 - Communities Committee (pdf 178kb)

This briefing has been prepared to assist the Scottish Parliament’s Communities Committee in looking at Draft Budget 2007-08. It presents trends in the budget, outlines the objectives and targets in the Communities portfolio and considers the latest developments in the Scottish Executive’s efficient government initiative.

SB 06-67 Commissioner for Older People (Scotland) Bill (pdf 203kb)

A Member’s Bill proposed by Alex Neil MSP to establish a Commissioner for Older People in Scotland was introduced in the Scottish Parliament on 20 September 2006. This paper provides an overview of the proposals to create a statutory body, accountable to the Parliament, with responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the rights of people aged 60 and over.

SB 06-66 Draft Budget 2007-08 - Enterprise and Culture Committee (pdf 233kb)

This briefing has been prepared to assist the Scottish Parliament’s Enterprise and Culture Committee in looking at the Draft Budget 2007-08. It presents trends in the budget, outlines the Objectives and Targets in the Enterprise and Culture related portfolios and considers the latest developments in the Scottish Executive’s Efficient Government Initiative.

SB 06-65 Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill (pdf 411kb)

This briefing has been prepared in advance of the Parliament’s consideration of the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill, which was introduced to the Parliament on the 29 June 2006.

The main provisions are described in the order in which they appear in the Bill, together with comment selected from responses to the Scottish Executive’s (2005) consultation on the proposals for the Bill.

SB 06-64 Draft Budget 2007-08: Justice Committees (pdf 256kb)

Briefing prepared to assist the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committees in looking at the Draft Budget 2007-08. It presents trends in the budget, outlines the objectives and targets in Justice related portfolios and considers the latest developments in the Scottish Executive’s efficient government initiative.

SB 06-63 Landscape Assessment (pdf 476kb)

This briefing provides an introduction to the separate processes used to quantify landscape character, and to determine the landscape and visual impacts of a development proposal. It is published to assist with the Communities Committee’s consideration of National Scenic Areas.

SB 06-62 Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill (pdf 337kb)

This briefing provides an overview of the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Bill, the policy context of health promotion in schools and looks briefly at similar developments in England.

SB 06-61 School Closures - Update (pdf 248kb)

The Education Committee will be considering a written update from the Minister for Education and Young People on the Scottish Executive’s school closure policy at its meeting on the 13 September 2006.

This paper covers the legislative framework and guidance on school closures, as well as an overview of the key issues and related Scottish Executive policy.

This briefing updates the previous SPICe briefing 04-23 on school closures.

SB 06-60 Key Economic Indicators (pdf 318kb)

This quarterly briefing provides a selection of indicators on different aspects of the Scottish economy.

SB 06-59 Transport and Works (Scotland) Bill (pdf 211k)

This briefing provides a summary of the current system for authorising major rail, tram and inland waterway projects that the Transport and Works (Scotland) Bill seeks to replace.  It goes on to give an overview of the proposals in the Bill and how these have been developed.  It also examines how major transport projects are authorised in England and briefly analyses the responses to the Local Government and Transport Committee’s call for written evidence on the proposals in the Bill.

SB 06-58 Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Bill: Summary of Written Evidence (pdf 271k)

The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament on 30 March 2006 by Andy Kerr MSP. The Health Committee is the Lead Committee for the consideration of the Bill.  On 12 May 2006 it issued a call for evidence on the Bill, which ended on 18 August 2006. This briefing provides a summary of the written evidence received by the Committee.

SB 06-57 School Transport (pdf 160k)

This briefing outlines the legislative provisions governing school transport issues and provides details of supporting guidance issued by the Scottish Executive. Wider policy developments around school transport are considered along with an overview of the Scottish Parliament Education Committee’s consideration of the issue.

SB 06-56 Sludge from Wastewater Works (pdf 387k)

This briefing provides an introduction to wastewater treatment processes, and the European and Scottish policy framework. It further considers the current situation in Scotland, and then examines the proposals by Scottish Water in its Draft National Sludge Strategy. It focuses primarily on sludge from wastewater treatment, otherwise known as sewage sludge.

SB 06-55 Housing Stock Transfers (pdf 155k)

Transfer of council housing stock to registered social landlords into ‘community ownership’ has been promoted by the Executive for a range of reasons, most notably to increase investment in housing and to promote community empowerment.This briefing outlines the background to stock transfers in Scotland, the community ownership programme, some of the key issues that have been raised and evidence about the impact of transfers.

SB 06-54 Geothermal Heat in Scotland (pdf 296k)

Explanation of geothermal heat resources in Scotland. Description of ground source heat pumps and the contribution they could make to renewable heat generation and reducing fuel poverty in Scotland. Current impediments to their widespread uptake are reviewed and the finacial incentives available are explained. Two case studies: the Southampton District Energy Scheme and Shawfair new town Mid-lothian, district heating from mine water proposals are presented.

SB 06-53 Soil Protection in Scotland (pdf 843k)

This briefing explains the nature and importance of Scotland’s soil resources. Sustainable soil management is vital to the farming and forestry sectors and for supporting protected habitats, animals and unique landscapes. Current threats to Scottish soils include: soil erosion, compaction, contamination, sealing, loss of soil biodiversity and declining organic carbon content. The drivers of these threats are climate change, urban development and changing land management practices. The Scottish Executive is currently gathering evidence on the state of and threats to soils in Scotland. In addition strategies or policies are being developed to promote conservation and enhancement of biodiversity interests.

SB 06-52 Airdrie-Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Bill (pdf 170k)

This short briefing has been produced to provide the Airdrie-Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Bill Committee with some background information to assist in their consideration of the policy objectives of the Airdrie Bathgate Railway and Linked Improvements Bill.

SB 06-51 The Licensing of Medicines in the UK and their use in the NHS (pdf 354k)

This briefing explains the process for licensing new drugs and treatments in the UK, and the process for their use in the NHS in Scotland compared to England and Wales.

(This briefing has been superseded by SB 08-17 posted 15 April 2008)

SB 06-50 Senior Judiciary (Vacancies and Incapacity) (Scotland) Bill (pdf 81.9k)

The Bill makes provision for the functions of Scotland's two most senior judges, the Lord President and Lord Justice Clerk, to be carried out by other senior judges when either office is vacant, or where the judge in question is unable to carry out the functions of the office because of ill health.

SB 06-49 Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill (pdf 562k)

This short briefing has been produced to provide the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill Committee with some background information to assist in their consideration of the policy objectives of the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link Bill.

SB 06-48 Tackling Deprivation (pdf 228k)

This paper provides an overview of the Executive’s framework for tackling deprivation in Scotland. Closing the Opportunity Gap is the overall strategy for tacking poverty. Community Planning Partnerships are a key means for delivering community regeneration, supported by funding streams. The Finance Committee recently held an inquiry into deprivation expenditure and their findings are summarised.

SB 06-47 National Scenic Areas (pdf 560k)

National Scenic Areas (NSAs) are Scotland’s national landscape designation. The Scottish Executive proposes to introduce amendments to the Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill in relation to the designation, statutory purpose and management of NSAs. This briefing outlines the history of NSAs, shows where they are situated, and reflects views on the Scottish Executive proposals.

SB 06-46 Media and Broadcasting Industries (pdf 241k)

This briefing, produced at the request of the Enterprise and Culture Committee, provides an overview of the media and broadcasting industries in Scotland.

SB 06-45 Future Structural Fund Programmes in Scotland 2007-2013 (pdf 146k)

This briefing provides a summary of the Scottish Executive’s proposals for new Structural funds programmes in Scotland for the 2007-2013 programming period. It focuses on the proposals to move from 5 programmes across Scotland to 2 programmes and to move to a system which predominantly uses co-financing for the distribution of Structural funds to projects.

SB 06-44 Police Retention of Prints and Samples - Updated (pdf 156k)

This briefing considers the current law and practice, as well as proposals to change the law, relating to the retention of prints and samples (eg fingerprints and DNA samples) by the police.

SB 06-43 The Tay Road Bridge (pdf 135k)

This briefing provides a short history of the development and operation of the Tay Road Bridge, statistics on usage and information on the tolling regime.

SB 06-42 Key Economic Indicators (pdf 434k)

This quarterly briefing provides a selection of indicators on different aspects of the Scottish economy.

SB 06-41 Conditions in Scottish Prisons - Updated (pdf 167k)

This short research briefing provides recent statistical information on conditions in Scottish prisons in relation to the practice of slopping out, overcrowding, suicide rates, drugs misuse and violence by prisoners.

SB 06-40 Moray By-Election: 27 April 2006 (pdf 113k)

This paper provides summary statistics on the Moray by-election held on 27 April 2006. In addition the paper also contains an academic perspective on the by-election provided by Dr Peter Lynch, University of Stirling.

SB 06-39 Private Landlord Registration (pdf 110k)

Part 8 of the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 8) (the 2004 Act) requires that owners of privately let property must be registered with the local authority where the property is situated.  This briefing provides background to the scheme, a general overview of the key provisions and links to further sources of information.

SB 06-38 The Student Fees (Specification) (Scotland) Order 2006 (pdf 103k)

This briefing provides background information on the Student Fees (Specification) (Scotland) Order 2006. It explains the proposals put forward in the draft Order and consultation exercise, summarises the published views of the individual respondents and explains the current position with regards to the Order.

SB 06-37 Christmas Day and New Year's Day Trading (Scotland) Bill (pdf 641k)

The Christmas Day and New Year’s Day Trading (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Parliament on 20 March 2006 by Karen Whitefield MSP.  The Bill would prohibit most large shops from opening on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day for the purpose of making retail sales.  This briefing reviews the key arguments for and against the proposals and identifies some of the underlying evidence.

SB 06-36 Interests of Members of the Scottish Parliament Bill as Amended at Stage 2 (pdf 184k, updated 25.04.2006)

This Bill was introduced in order to replace the Members Interests Order and provide for the registration and declaration of certain interests of members of the Scottish Parliament. Following debate in the Chamber on 14 December 2005, Stage 2 amendments were discussed by the Interests of Members of the Scottish Parliament Bill Committee on 8 and 15 March 2006. Amendments agreed at Stage 2 make some important changes to the Bill as introduced, in particular removing the requirement to register non-financial interests.
This briefing discusses both successful and unsuccessful Stage 2 amendments, as amendments in both categories will be brought again at Stage 3, either by way of reintroduction of a withdrawn or defeated amendment, or reversal of a successful amendment.

SB 06-35 Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill: Legal Aid (pdf 277k)

The Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill, introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 1 March 2006, stems from two distinct strands of policy development carried out by the Scottish Executive. This briefing considers the main provisions of the Bill relating to legal aid (sections 44 and 45). A separate SPICe briefing looks at the sections of the Bill concerned with reform of the handling of complaints against legal practitioners in Scotland.

SB 06-34 Equal Opportunities - Subject Profile (pdf 355k)

This briefing is an update of the Equal Opportunities subject map.

SB 06-33 Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill: Complaints About the Legal Profession (pdf 377k)

The Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill, introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 1 March 2006, stems from two distinct strands of policy development carried out by the Scottish Executive. This briefing considers the parts of the Bill concerned with reform of the handling of complaints against legal practitioners in Scotland. A separate SPICe briefing considers the proposals in the Bill relating to legal aid.

SB 06-32 Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Bill: Adults with Incapacity and Other Measures (pdf 239k)

The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament on 30 March 2006 by Andy Kerr MSP. This briefing concentrates on the Parts 2 and 3 of the Bill, which contains provisions amending the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 (the 2000 Act), the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 (the 1968 Act) and the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (the 2003 Act).

SB 06-31 Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Bill- Part 1- Protection of Adults at Risk of Abuse (pdf 213k)

The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament on 30 March 2006 by Andy Kerr MSP. This briefing deals with Part 1 of the Bill, which contains provisions for the protection of adults at risk. The briefing provides background information on the policy intention behind the proposals in the Bill, then outlines the main provisions in Part 1 of the Bill, discussing them with relevant policy documents and consultation responses where possible.

SB 06-30 Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Bill: JP Courts and JPs (pdf 183k)

The Scottish Executive’s Minister for Justice introduced the Criminal Proceedings etc (Reform) (Scotland) Bill in the Parliament on 27 February 2006. This briefing considers unification of the administration of the summary criminal courts, as well as some of the key provisions on Justice of the Peace Courts (‘JP Courts’) and Justices of the Peace (‘JPs’) set out in Part 4 of the Bill.

SB 06-29 Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Bill: Proceedings (pdf 153k)

The Scottish Executive’s Minister for Justice introduced the Criminal Proceedings etc (Reform) (Scotland) Bill in the Parliament on 27 February 2006.  This briefing looks at the provisions on criminal proceedings (mainly concerned with the summary justice system) set out in Part 2 of the Bill.

SB 06-28 The Nuclear Option (pdf 534k)

This briefing discusses nuclear power stations in Scotland, profiles relevant key organisations and considers which powers are devolved and which are reserved. It further considers recent nuclear policy developments. Reference is made to radioactive waste, though this topic will be covered further in a future SPICe Briefing.

SB 06-27 Criminal Proceedings etc (Reform) (Scotland) Bill: Penalties (pdf 143k)

The Scottish Executive’s Minister for Justice introduced the Criminal Proceedings etc (Reform) (Scotland) Bill in the Parliament on 27 February 2006.  This briefing considers the provisions set out in Part 3 of the Bill to increase the sentencing power of the summary courts, extend the scope of monetary penalties and introduce new alternatives to prosecution and to make changes in relation to fines collection and enforcement.

SB 06-26 Crofting Reform etc. Bill (pdf 184k)

This briefing has been prepared in advance of the Parliament’s consideration of the Crofting Reform etc. Bill, which was introduced to the Parliament on the 2 March 2006. The briefing has two main sections. The first gives a brief description of the current law on crofting. The second describes the proposals in the Bill, together with selected comments from interested individuals and organisations.

SB 06-25 Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Bill: Bail (pdf 201k)

The Scottish Executive’s Minister for Justice introduced the Criminal Proceedings etc (Reform) (Scotland) Bill in the Parliament on 27 February 2006. This briefing looks at the provisions on bail set out in Part 1 of the Bill.

SB 06-24 The Adoption and Children (Scotland) Bill (pdf 274k)

The Adoption and Children (Scotland) Bill, introduced in Parliament on 27 March 2006, aims to improve and modernise the adoption system in Scotland. This briefing considers the current legal framework and characteristics of adoption and the background to the adoption policy review process. It then considers the provisions of the bill, particularly focussing on where change to the current system is proposed. It also looks at some of the main issues highlighted in response to a consultation exercise carried out by the Executive, prior to the introduction of the bill.

SB 06-23 Attitudes to the Scottish Parliament and Devolution (pdf 303k)

MORI Scotland was commissioned by SPICe, on behalf of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body to assess attitudes to the Scottish Parliament and to devolution. This research was conducted as a separate module within the MORI Scotland Social Survey.  This paper presents the results of this survey module. 

SB 06-22 Tourist Boards (Scotland) Bill (pdf 88k)

This briefing describes the background to the Bill, summarises the provisions of the Bill, lists concerns expressed by consultees, summarises the response of the Scottish Executive to these concerns and reviews the financial implications.

SB 06-21 Rural Housing (pdf 265k)

This briefing considers the housing sector in rural Scotland and policy initiatives used to address rural housing issues.  It then considers the situation in the Lake District, Peak District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks in England and the experience of other countries specifically, the Netherlands, Denmark, Jersey and Guernsey.

SB 06-20 Police Retention of Prints and Samples (pdf 148k)

This briefing considers current law and proposals relating to the retention of prints and samples (eg fingerprints and DNA samples) by the police.

(This briefing has been updated by SB 06-44 posted 15 May 2006)

SB 06-19 Environment and Rural Development Portfolio Overview (pdf 303k)

This briefing provides an overview of recent and forthcoming developments in the main policy areas which come within the Scottish Parliament Environment and Rural Development Committee’s remit.

SB 06-18 Ship to Ship Oil Transfer in the Firth of Forth (pdf 443k)

This briefing examines the background to proposals by Melbourne Marine Services to transfer oil from small to large tankers off Methil on the Fife coast

SB 06-17 Glasgow Airport Rail Link Bill (pdf 569k)

This short briefing has been produced to provide the Glasgow Airport Rail Link Bill Committee with some background information to assist in their consideration of the policy objectives of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link Bill.

SB 06-16 Regulatory and Investigatory Bodies Created by the Parliament since Devolution (pdf 200k)

This briefing has been written to assist the Finance Committee in its inquiry into the funding and accountability of independent regulatory and investigatory bodies in Scotland. Covering regulatory and investigatory bodies responsible to the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) and the Scottish Executive, it charts the growth of such bodies since devolution, sets out the total annual budget for each body, the duties and responsibilities of each body and the lines of accountability.

SB 06-15 The Size of the Public Sector (pdf 160k)

Public expenditure, government consumption and the public sector comprise a larger share of the economy in Scotland than in the rest of the UK.  This briefing explains these terms, provides Scottish data for each measure, shows how the data have changed over recent years, and provides comparisons with the whole of the UK.

SB 06-14 Planning etc (Scotland) Bill: Business Improvement Districts (pdf 157k)

This briefing provides background information on proposed legislation relating to the introduction of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), summarises the consultation and the views of respondents, examines the work of the BIDs Working Group, and explains the relevant provisions in the Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill.

SB 06-13 Biomass (pdf 332k)

In February and March 2006 the Scottish Parliament Environment and Rural Development Committee (2005a) will undertake an inquiry into developments in the biomass industry in Scotland, with particular reference to how forestry and agricultural policy can support this development. This briefing supports and informs the inquiry by providing an introduction to biomass energy and exploring its potential in Scotland.

SB 06-12 School Education Policy - Subject Profile (updated) (pdf 191k)

This briefing provides a general introduction to the legislative and administrative framework of publicly funded education in Scotland. It identifies the main agencies involved and summarises recent policy developments and initiatives. The briefing also provides a list of other sources of information. This briefing updates SB 03-37 published in June 2003.

SB 06-11 Key Economic Indicators (pdf 208k)

This quarterly briefing provides a selection of indicators on different aspects of the Scottish economy.  The indicators included in this briefing include:

• Economic growth (Gross Value Added)
• Manufacturing exports
• Economic forecasts
• The oil and gas sector
• The labour market – employment and unemployment
• Benefits claimants

The next Key Economic Indicators briefing will be available on 5 May 2006

The Ecological Footprint of a Conference in the Scottish Parliament (pdf 473k)

In July 2005 the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) hosted a conference with delegates from across Europe. This report, commissioned by SPICe, and supported by the Sustainable Development Commission Scotland, measures the Ecological Footprint of the event.

SB 06-10 Human Tissue (Scotland) Bill - Summary of Authorisation Schemes Following Stage 2 (pdf 132k)

This short briefing has been written for stage 3 proceedings on 2 February 2006, and summarises, in table format, the schemes of authorisation for:

• organ donation and transplantation
• hospital post-mortem
• following a procurator fiscal post-mortem
• anatomical examination

These are based on the Bill as amended at stage 2.

SB 06-09 The Food Supply Chain (pdf 217k)

This briefing has been prepared for Members of the Environment and Rural Development Committee in advance of their inquiry into the food supply chain. It contains information on:
•Production by Scottish farmers
•The food supply chain for red meat and milk, and the retail sector
•Regulation of competition in the food supply chain
•Relevant parliamentary inquiries held at Westminster
•The effects of changes in the food supply chain on Scottish farming
•Relevant parts of Scottish Executive agriculture policy

SB 06-08 Planning etc (Scotland) Bill: Local Development Plans (pdf 97k)

This briefing provides an introduction to the current local development planning system in Scotland and highlights the changes proposed in the Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill.

SB 06-07 Local Electoral Administration and Registration Services (Scotland) Bill (pdf 198k)

The Local Electoral Administration and Registration Services (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament on 19 December 2005.  This briefing considers the provisions in the Bill in the context of earlier consultations which have been conducted regarding the issues of electoral registration and in relation to registration services.

SB 06-06 House Prices (Updated) (pdf 169k)

This briefing provides an overview of key house prices statistics. An overview of trends in house prices at a UK and Scotland level is given. Trends at a regional level are also considered, as are issues of affordability, particularly for first time buyers. This briefing updates SB 05-37 published on 4 July 2005.

(This briefing has been updated by SB 07-20 posted 1 May 2007)

SB 06-05 Planning etc (Scotland) Bill: Development Management (pdf 84k)

This briefing provides a short summary of the changes to the development management process, currently known as development control, introduced by the Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill.

SB 06-04 Planning etc (Scotland) Bill: Tree Preservation Orders (pdf 99k)

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are designed to protect important or vulnerable trees, or groups of trees. The Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill introduced on 20 December 2005 seeks to amend the current system. This briefing introduces TPOs and looks at the proposals in the Bill.

SB 06-03 Planning etc (Scotland) Bill: National Planning Framework (pdf 124k)

This short briefing provides an introduction to the National Planning Framework (NPF) and highlights the changes to the NPF proposed in the Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill.

SB 06-02 Planning etc (Scotland) Bill: Strategic Development Plans (pdf 98k)

This briefing provides an introduction to the current strategic development planning system in Scotland and highlights the changes proposed in the Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill.

SB 06-01 Planning etc (Scotland) Bill: Enforcement (pdf 73k)

This briefing provides a short summary of the current planning enforcement system and looks at the changes to this process contained in the Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill.