5. Next Steps
5.1 This consultation exercise will last for three months and responses should be submitted in time to arrive with the Scottish Government by 5 pm on Friday 13 November. While we will make every effort to do so, we cannot guarantee that responses received after this time will be considered.
5.2 We will acknowledge responses on receipt and make them publicly available by placing them in the Scottish Government library within 20 days of the consultation's closing date. If you do not want your response or your name and address to be published you can opt out when you return the Respondent Information Form (provided at Annex E).
5.3 Once all of the responses have been received they will be analysed in a transparent, rigorous and systematic manner. A full report of the analysis will be published on the Scottish Government website early in 2010. This report will set out how many responses were received; provide a summary of the views expressed in response to the consultation; and include an analysis of the range, nature and pattern of responses.
5.4 We will use the findings of the consultation exercise, along with other evidence - including the findings of the review of legislation in England and Wales - to determine what option should be pursued.
5.5 We hope that this formal consultation exercise will move the debate forward, allow everyone with an interest to have their say and provide greater clarity about the way forward. Your response will help us determine the most appropriate and proportionate response to the problem of high hedge disputes.