If all 16 local authorities employ more EHOs this shifts the landscape from: Before After appts appts Without a 5 (16%) 1 (3%) service/ officer 1 EHO or 17 (53%) 11 less (34%) Between 0 3 (9%) 1-2 EHOs 2 EHOs or 10 (31%) 18 more (57%) The increased capacity means 25 out of 32 local authorities have published, or are now developing, dedicated strategies using this guide (compared to 11 in 2024). Scottish Ministers, special advisers and the Permanent Secretary are covered by the terms of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016.