Points of interestRoyal assent on 4th Aug 2009Seen as .... “historic” “groundbreaking” “setting an international example”

Overall AimTo reduce Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions and convert to a low carbon economy

Part 1 – forms the statutory framework for greenhouse gas emissions reduction in Scotland : an interim 42 % reduction target for 2020 with an 80 % reduction target for 2050

Part 2 – Scottish Committee on Climate Change or designation of an existing body to exercise advisory functions

Part 3 - places duties on the Scottish Ministers requiring that they report regularly to the Scottish Parliament

Part 5 - includes other requirements on climate change, including: adaptation, forestry, energy efficiency and waste reduction.

Part 6 - includes provision on carbon assessment and public engagement

Part 4 - places climate change duties on Scottish public bodies. This Part also contains powers to enable the Scottish Ministers, by order, to impose further duties on public bodies in relation to climate change

Dutiesrequire that a public body must, in exercising its functions, act:

• in the way best calculated to contribute to delivery of the Act's emissions reduction targets;

• in the way best calculated to deliver any statutory adaptation programme; and

• in a way that it considers most sustainable.

Into ForceThe proposed date that Public Sector Duty is to come into force is:

1st January 2011

Definition of Public BodyA Scottish public authority within the meaning of section 3(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (as amended). E.g.

• LA’s; • NGO’s; • Health Authorities;• Police, Fire & Prison Authorities;• Further Education; • National Parks; • Scottish Law Commission; • Quality Meat Scotland;• Licensing Boards

Guidance to Public Bodies

Government is currently developing guidance for Public Bodies to assist them in delivering their duties, the time table of which is:-

• Public consultation on draft guidance – Summer 2010• Publication of guidance - Early 2011

All Public Bodies must have regard to this guidance