Question reference: S5W-36062
- Asked by: Liam Kerr, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 11 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 24 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether the Community Orders (Coronavirus) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 will result in a reduction in outstanding unpaid work hours for community payback orders and, if so, by how much.
Answer
The Community Orders (Coronavirus) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 came into force at 5pm on 15 March 2021 and reduced unpaid work or other activity requirements imposed in community payback orders (CPOs) by 35% for all existing orders, except those imposed for domestic abuse, sexual offences, or stalking.
As noted in the policy note to support scrutiny of the regulations, it is estimated that the total number of outstanding unpaid work hours will be reduced by around 290,000. However, there is some uncertainty around this estimate and statistical data returns will ensure that impact is captured as accurately as possible.