Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill - deer management: final business and regulatory impact assessment

Section 5: Next Steps and Implementations

Recommendations/ preferred options

It is recommended that Option 2 is pursued. The changes to the 1996 Act have been co-developed based on both an analysis of the consultation responses and the recommendations of the DWG. These proposals will enable restoration and protection of nature, and support delivery of the Scottish Government’s net zero and biodiversity goals.

Implementation considerations/ plan

A detailed implementation plan is currently being developed that will include the timeline for the creation of the register of authorised persons by regulations, and associated training. The proposed changes are intended to come into force (subject to Parliamentary process and timing) on a date to be appointed by the Scottish Ministers in regulations, supported by Scottish Government guidance for enforcement agencies.

The Scottish Government will continue to engage with stakeholders as the Bill progresses and implementation begins. This will include formal and informal channels, forums such as the Deer Management Round Table and meetings with stakeholders on specific issues.

With regard to the creation of the register of authorised persons, the 1996 Act requires that before making regulations under section 17A of that Act, Scottish Ministers (or a person nominated by them) must consult such persons and organisations as they consider have an interest in the regulations.

The Scottish Government’s Deer Management Strategic Board will monitor implementation of the changes via monitoring of delivery and through its ongoing work programme. It will maintain a communications plan including overseeing stakeholder engagement.

Post Implementation Review

The Scottish Government Wildlife Management Team has a close working relationship with key stakeholders across Scotland and will monitor the development of this policy change and its application in practice.

The Scottish Government’s Strategic Deer Board will review deer management progress in priority areas as part of its ongoing programme of work.

The changes made by the Bill will require , under the 1996 Act, a review of compliance with the code of practice for deer management to be undertaken if required by Scottish Ministers, following revision to the code of practice, and not less than once every 10 years. There will, therefore, be a review of that code of practice following implementation of the Bill.

NatureScot must report to Scottish Ministers annually on all voluntary control schemes where progress has been deemed insufficient.

Declaration

I have read the Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment and I am satisfied that it represents a fair and reasonable view of the expected costs, benefits and impact of the policy, and that these have been taken into account when making the policy decision. I am satisfied that business impact has been assessed with the support of businesses in Scotland. I am also satisfied that officials have considered the impact on consumers as required by the Consumer Scotland Act 2020 in completion of the Consumer Duty section of this BRIA.

Signed:

Jim Fairlie MSP

Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity

Date: 3 June 2025

Scottish Government contact point: NEBill@gov.scot