Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill
Overview
The Bill is split into 6 Parts:
Part 1 creates new powers to respond to public health emergencies. The powers are similar to powers that Scottish Ministers already have on a temporary basis to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic. For example, these powers have been used at times to impose “lockdown” restrictions. The new powers will apply to any future public health emergencies.
Part 2 also creates new powers to help Scottish Ministers respond to public health emergencies. In this Part the powers relate specifically to educational establishments such as schools, colleges and universities. They also relate to school boarding and student accommodation. As an example, this power could be used to restrict access to schools due to a public health emergency.
Part 3 makes changes to a number of services. The majority of these relate to communicating electronically. This includes provisions about holding virtual meetings and signing documents electronically. For example, registering births and deaths would no longer have to be done in person, though it still could be. Most of the changes that are now being made permanent are similar to provisions made in previous pieces of Coronavirus legislation.
Part 4 relates to eviction from properties in the private rented sector. Currently some circumstances result in tribunals having to grant an eviction. The Bill will change this. It proposes that, in relation to the tenancy types set out in the Bill, a tribunal will not have to automatically evict people. The tribunal will, however, still be able to grant an eviction if it considers it reasonable. Part 4 also sets up a “pre-action protocol”. This protocol is something landlords can follow before starting eviction proceedings. Whether landlords have or have not followed this protocol will be considered by a tribunal in deciding whether to order an eviction in cases where late or non-payment of rent is the reason why the landlord is seeking an eviction.
Part 5 (and the Bill’s schedule) continues some of the changes to the justice system brought in during the pandemic. These are currently set to expire on 31 March 2022, but that can be extended with Parliamentary approval to 30 September 2022. This Bill will continue these measures until November 2023. The Bill also grants Scottish Ministers the power to extend this, using regulations, to November 2024 and beyond to November 2025.
Part 6 sets out when the Bill would come into force and what its short title would be. It also gives a power to Scottish Ministers to make small changes to give effect to the Bill.
Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill as introduced
The Bill was passed on 28 June 2022 and became an Act on 10 August 2022
Contents
Stage 3 - Final changes and vote
MSPs can propose further “amendments” (changes) to the Bill. MSPs decide on each of these. Finally, they debate and vote on whether to pass the Bill.
The Bill ended Stage 3 on 28 June 2022
Debate on the proposed amendments
MSPs can propose further “amendments” (changes) to the Bill. Amendments are “selected” (chosen for debate) by the Presiding Officer. MSPs then debate and decide on the amendments.
Documents with the amendments considered at the meeting held on 28 June 2022.
Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 3 (788KB, pdf) posted 22 June 2022
Timed Groupings of Amendments for Stage 3 (842KB, pdf) posted 27 June 2022
Final debate on the Bill
Once MSPs have debated and decided on the amendments, they debate whether to pass the Bill.
Meeting on 28 June 2022
Minutes of proceedings (136KB, pdf) posted 28 June 2022
Final vote on the Bill
After the debate, MSPs vote on whether to pass the Bill.
Meeting on 28 June 2022
Final version of the Bill
Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill as passed (4MB, pdf) posted 29 June 2022
Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill
- Submitted by: John Swinney, Perthshire North, Scottish National Party.
- Date lodged: Monday, 27 June 2022
- Motion reference: S6M-05217
- Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, 28 June 2022
Result 66 for, 52 against, 0 abstained, 11 did not vote Vote Passed