Written Question · S3W-16993 · Session 3
Why Forestry Commission Scotland has changed its annual scavenging permit to quarterly and has increased the price in the Highlands by over…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive why Forestry Commission Scotland has changed its annual scavenging permit to quarterly and has increased the price in the Highlands by over 100%.
The answer
Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) engages in firewood sales on a local basis. Firewood is either made available at the side of the forest road or a scavenging permit is issued. This allows the holder to enter the forest and remove as much wood as they can reclaim from an agreed area.
The administration involved in generating scavenging permissions is significant, involving both the production of a permission (a form of contract) and associated maps. In addition, staff must meet with potential permit holders on site, in order to ensure all relevant health and safety legislation is being complied with.
A recent review noted that the length and cost of scavenging permits was not consistent across the country. In addition, the combination of increased administrative requirements and the associated health and safety risks has meant some districts do not offer scavenging permits for firewood.
Where scavenging is allowed, permits have been standardised at a level which allows cost recovery, whilst still offering the purchaser a substantial saving over commercial rates currently being charged for firewood. Setting the length of the permits to three months was thought to be most appropriate, as it allows flexibility for the purchaser and ensures that the cost outlay, per permit, is not prohibitive.
The new rates effective from August 2008 are:
£50.00 for three months including Vat for scavenging permit;
£20 per tonne for softwood firewood at roadside including VAT, and
£35 per tonne for hardwood firewood at roadside including VAT.
The administration involved in generating scavenging permissions is significant, involving both the production of a permission (a form of contract) and associated maps. In addition, staff must meet with potential permit holders on site, in order to ensure all relevant health and safety legislation is being complied with.
A recent review noted that the length and cost of scavenging permits was not consistent across the country. In addition, the combination of increased administrative requirements and the associated health and safety risks has meant some districts do not offer scavenging permits for firewood.
Where scavenging is allowed, permits have been standardised at a level which allows cost recovery, whilst still offering the purchaser a substantial saving over commercial rates currently being charged for firewood. Setting the length of the permits to three months was thought to be most appropriate, as it allows flexibility for the purchaser and ensures that the cost outlay, per permit, is not prohibitive.
The new rates effective from August 2008 are:
£50.00 for three months including Vat for scavenging permit;
£20 per tonne for softwood firewood at roadside including VAT, and
£35 per tonne for hardwood firewood at roadside including VAT.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S3W-16993 by reference.