Written Question · S1W-04698 · Session 1
Whether a comprehensive policy and financial management review has been carried out on (a) Scottish National Heritage, (b) Scottish Environ…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether a comprehensive policy and financial management review has been carried out on (a) Scottish National Heritage, (b) Scottish Environment Protection Agency, (c) Historic Scotland, (d) West of Scotland Water Authority, (e) North of Scotland Water Authority, (f) East of Scotland Water Authority, (g) Crofters Commission, (h) Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, (i) Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd, (j) Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency, (k) Advisory Committee on Sites of Special Scientific Interest, (l) Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland, (m) Highlands and Islands Enterprise, (n) Hill Farming Advisory Committee for Scotland, (o) Historic Buildings Council for Scotland, (p) Lands Tribunal for Scotland, (q) Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland, (r) Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland and (s) Scottish Arts Council and to specify, in each case where a review has taken place, when the review was carried out, what the recommendations of the review were and when each of the recommendations was implemented.
The answer
Policy and Financial Management Review (PFMR) is at the heart of the Executive's commitment to achieve better quality and more responsive public services. Reviews are usually conducted on a five-year cycle but the timing may be varied. Recent guidance on quinquennial reviews for public bodies has developed from previous approaches and now includes continuous improvement. It ensures that NDPBs:are subject to regular and challenging review;
can deliver the Executive's agenda effectively and operate in an efficient and integrated way; and
retain a strong focus on improving future performance, including the scope for more partnership working and better use of technology.
Details regarding specific NDPBs are provided below.NDPB | Last Quinquennial Review Completed or When expected | Review Recommendations | Recommendations Implemented
Scottish Natural Heritage | 1999 (May) | Action Programme agreed 1999 | Majority implemented between September and December 1999. Some on-going
Advisory Committee on Sites of Special Scientific Interest | No PFMR to-date | |
Scottish Environment Protection Agency | No PFMR to-date. Review planned 2001 (April) | |
Scottish Arts Council Never had one. Review delayed because of setting up of Parlt; Review planned for later this year or next | No PFMR to-dateReview deferred. Review date to be announced 2000-2001. | |
Lands Tribunal for Scotland | No PFMR to-date | |
Water Authorities: West of Scotland, 3 H2O established '96 therefore PFMRs due next yearNorth of Scotland, and East of Scotland | The 3 Water Authorities were established in 1996 therefore PFMRs due next year | |
Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland | Reviewed 1995 | Commission to be relocated to its own officesEnsure Best Value on printing and publishing | 1995 1995
Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency | No comprehensive review. Prior Options review 1995. N
can deliver the Executive's agenda effectively and operate in an efficient and integrated way; and
retain a strong focus on improving future performance, including the scope for more partnership working and better use of technology.
Details regarding specific NDPBs are provided below.NDPB | Last Quinquennial Review Completed or When expected | Review Recommendations | Recommendations Implemented
Scottish Natural Heritage | 1999 (May) | Action Programme agreed 1999 | Majority implemented between September and December 1999. Some on-going
Advisory Committee on Sites of Special Scientific Interest | No PFMR to-date | |
Scottish Environment Protection Agency | No PFMR to-date. Review planned 2001 (April) | |
Scottish Arts Council Never had one. Review delayed because of setting up of Parlt; Review planned for later this year or next | No PFMR to-dateReview deferred. Review date to be announced 2000-2001. | |
Lands Tribunal for Scotland | No PFMR to-date | |
Water Authorities: West of Scotland, 3 H2O established '96 therefore PFMRs due next yearNorth of Scotland, and East of Scotland | The 3 Water Authorities were established in 1996 therefore PFMRs due next year | |
Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland | Reviewed 1995 | Commission to be relocated to its own officesEnsure Best Value on printing and publishing | 1995 1995
Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency | No comprehensive review. Prior Options review 1995. N
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-04698 by reference.