Question reference: S3W-28384
- Asked by: Aileen Campbell, MSP for South of Scotland, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 26 October 2009
-
Current status: Answered by John Swinney on 30 October 2009
Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what support is available to help local communities identify and develop areas of common land.
Answer
Common good land and assets are the responsibility of local authorities and it is up to them how to involve local communities in the management of these areas.
There is a statutory duty on councils to have regard to the interests of the area in which the common good formerly related. Under the principles of best value they are also required to demonstrate responsiveness to the needs of communities. How these obligations are fulfilled is a matter for local authorities to decide.