Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (Part 2 Further Extension) Order 2025: consultation analysis
Consultation analysis report on extension of order making powers under Part 2 of Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.
Responses to extending section 17
Question 2: Do you agree that the Scottish Ministers should seek the Parliament’s approval to extend the order-making powers in section 17 of the Public Service Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (powers to reduce or remove burdens resulting from legislation) for a further 5 years from May 2025?
Answer:
Yes
- Number of Responses: 13 organisations, 3 individuals
No
- Number of Responses: 1 organisation, 3 individuals
Not answered
- Number of Responses: 1 organisation
Respondents were asked to provide further comments relating to their response. These have been grouped into themes as set out in table 2 below.
Comment/Theme
Maintain accountability over public services
- Number of times raised / suggested: 2 individuals
Abuse of democracy / potential for Government to reduce the authority or resources of regulatory bodies
- Number of times raised / suggested: 1 individual, 1 organisation
Powers to be used responsibly, sparingly and targeted
- Number of times raised / suggested: 1 organisation
Flexibility (legislative and financial pressures)
- Number of times raised / suggested: 6 organisations
Useful tool for the delivery of Public Service Reform
- Number of times raised / suggested: 2 organisations
Improvement to efficiency and effectiveness of public functions
- Number of times raised / suggested: 4 organisations
Reduces the burden on public bodies
- Number of times raised / suggested: 1 organisation
Welcome scrutiny via consultation and enhanced super affirmative procedures to ensure proper use of the powers
- Number of times raised / suggested: 1 individual, 4 organisations
Review of purpose or functions of certain organisations should be enacted in primary legislation (e.g. education)
- Number of times raised / suggested: 1 organisation
Consideration to making this a permanent provision rather than reviewing every 5 years
- Number of times raised / suggested: 2 organisations