Fiscal Framework between Scottish Government and Local Government

Annex C: Fiscal Lever Design, Engagement and Evaluation Process

Stage 1: Pre-Consideration Assessment – Rationale and Objectives

1.1 Set out the objectives and Strategic aims of the Fiscal Flexibility

1.2 Establish outcomes to be measured and an Approach to be taken

1.3 Ensure consistency with existing national and local outcomes

1.4 Identify Obstacles and determine if they can be overcome

1.5 Reconcile the flexibility with Fiscal Framework Principles

1.6 Will the Flexibility have Political endorsement

1.7 Present information to the Directors for permission to continue

Stage 2: Options – Evidence and Appraisal

2.1 Research Phase

2.2 Analysis Phase

2.3 Produce Options Phase

2.4 Preparation and Appraisal Phase

2.4.2 Formal Consultation

2.5 Working Group present formal recommendations to the Directors for Permission to continue. (If No – back to 2.1)

Stage 3: Sign-off joint Proposals to both sets of politicians

Concurrent Approval stages:

3.1 Local Government Approval 3.2 The Fiscal Flexibility – Local Government Strategic Engagement Meeting 3.3 Scottish Government Approval

Stage 4: Development and Delivery

4.1 Formal Consultation Opportunity 2

4.2 Legislation Phase

4.3 Communications Plan

4.4 Director Stocktake/Review

Proceed/New Approach:  No – back to stage 3, Yes – on to stage 5, New Approach – back to stage 2.

Stage 5: Implementation

5.1 Implements Delivery

5.2 Information Capture for Mutual Evaluation

5.3 Agree an Evaluation Point End

Stage 6: Evaluation

6.1 Establish exactly what the lever is to be evaluated

6.2 Methodology

6.3 Present Results

6.4 Disseminate and Share the Results