Question reference: S6W-10228
- Asked by: Mark Griffin, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 1 September 2022 Registered interest
-
Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 22 September 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions or consultation it had with the sheriffs principal regarding the Management of Summary Cause Proceedings Housing Scotland Act 2001 guidance note prior to its publication on 1 July 2022; whether the sheriffs principal have advised it of the business case for the changes; what assessment it has made of the estimated number of actions, claimants and respondents that may be affected, and what estimates it has made of the costs and benefits of the changes.
Answer
We have had no discussions with the Sheriffs Principal regarding the Management of Summary Cause Proceedings Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 guidance note prior to its publication on 1 July 2022. The courts and judiciary are independent of Government. As such the Government has no role in the development of guidance issued by Sheriffs Principal. It is up to the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service itself to assess the business case for any changes it makes.