Policy implementation documents relating to Green Freeports: FOI release

Information requested

The six "policy safeguards" for Freeports endorsed at the SNP conference in 2021, and the subsequent clarification of your intent, namely:

"Confirm whether any records exist where these six safeguards were referenced, particularly in communications or meetings with UK Government departments or internal Scottish Government discussions [...] Clarify whether there is any formal mechanism or monitoring process established to evaluate Green Freeports against these six commitments."

Response

I have reviewed information held by the Scottish Government and can confirm that eight briefings were compiled in preparation for First Minister's Questions on dates between 24 February 2022 and 28 April 2022 where reference was made to the position adopted by the SNP conference. In each of the briefings, an "Issues" section noted that recent media coverage mentioned the conference motion, and information was provided, as follows:

"SNP TRADE UNION DEMANDS

• Our approach seeks to address all of the points raised by the trade unions (real living wage, mandatory trade union recognition, net zero, resources for local authorities, compensation for local communities, enforcement in place).
• We will look closely at bidders’ commitments to all aspects of fair work - including payment of the real living wage. Without clear commitments on this front, bids will not prosper.
• We cannot mandate trade union recognition, because employment law is reserved.
• We require bidders to secure the support of the relevant local authorities, and there will be significant seed capital investment to meet upfront costs.
• We expect local communities to gain from Green Freeports, not suffer; and we will be looking for bids that will deliver local as well as regional and national benefits.
• Green Freeports will be subject to rigorous monitoring and enforcement."

In addition to this, a number of emails, one relating to the drafting of the First Minister's Question (FMQ) note, and others relating to press enquires, or flagging the existence of the SNP TU motion, were identified. All of these are provided (redacted to remove personal details, but no other information) as part of the response to your enquiry. No further information relating to your enquiry about "policy safeguards" was found to be held.

I can also confirm that there is no formal mechanism or monitoring process established to evaluate Green Freeports against these six commitments. The reasons for this are twofold, firstly because these were party conference motions, not official government policy, but secondly (and perhaps more usefully for your interests) because, as is noted above, the Scottish Government has sought to address these concerns through the design of Green Freeports policy.

As part of the bidding prospectus (Green Freeports prospectus published - gov.scot), it was made clear that applicants must be able to demonstrate how they would:

• support high-quality employment opportunities that offer good salaries and conditions
• embed fair work practices in the wider Green Freeport area to help bring wider benefits
• contribute to Scotland’s climate ambitions and help reach net zero

Both Green Freeports have signed up to Fair Work Charters, including a commitment to paying at least the real living wage and ensuring employee voice is included at senior levels, both Green Freeports were required to demonstrate a contribution to our journey to net zero, and all existing health, safety, environmental and regulatory standards in Scotland continue to apply in Green Freeports as they do elsewhere in Scotland. We have no information on any adverse impact on local communities from Green Freeport operations, and both Green Freeports have engaged in considerable community engagement. Equality and Human Rights/ Fairer Scotland impact assessments have also been completed in relation to the programme, and show overall positive benefits from Green Freeports - these will be published on gov.scot in the coming weeks. Alongside this, a tailored monitoring and evaluation framework is being implemented which will allow the Scottish and UK Governments to hold Green Freeports to account on any issues of concern via regular provision of information, regular direct engagement, and annual performance reviews.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202500465538 - Information released - E-mails

File type

PDF

File size

375.0 kB