DRAFT CROFTING REFORM (SCOTLAND) BILL: Consultation Paper
1 INTRODUCTION AND POLICY BACKGROUND
1.1 In January 1999 the Land Reform Policy Group published its recommendations for land reform in Scotland, including proposals for amended crofting legislation.
1.2 In July 2002 the Scottish Executive published a White Paper: Crofting Reform: Proposals for Legislation addressing the five main objectives identified by the Land Reform Policy Group:
- more sustainable crofting communities
- more local involvement in, and accountability for, crofting administration
- much simplified crofting legislation and administration
- more (or at least not fewer) active crofters
- undertaking a wider range of land-based and other economic activity in addition to agriculture.
Key Development Since the White Paper
1.3 The White Paper was issued for consultation prior to the recent growth of interest in development of wind farms on croft land and the significant benefits which this would have for the community. It was also clear that the protective nature of current crofting legislation did not encourage developers to choose croft land as their first choice for wind farm sites. The Minister advised in responding to the views received from consultation on the White Paper that he would consider proposals to reduce the disadvantages which developers saw in crofting legislation; these proposals are now detailed in Chapter 4 of this consultation document.
Conclusion
1.4 Chapter 2 of this document sets out the various consultations which have been undertaken on revised crofting legislation.
1.5 Chapter 3 sets out the main themes arising from consultation responses and how they have influenced the development of the draft Bill. The written comments on these consultations have been lodged with the Scottish Executive library and all _ except those submitted in confidence _ may be viewed on request.
1.6 Chapter 4 identifies aspects of the draft Bill and some other issues on which comment is particularly sought.
1.7 Chapter 5 is the draft Bill itself, with explanatory notes.
1.8 Chapter 6 is the Regulatory Impact Assessment.
1.9 Chapter 7 explains how consultation on the draft Bill and those new proposals will work and how comments should be submitted.