Category: News Item

Scotland’s Chief Statistician has announced the publication of a report on emissions of air pollutants in 2017.

The main findings are:

• since 1990 there have been reductions in emissions for all pollutants, with decreases of 15 per cent for ammonia, 63 per cent for PM10, 65 per cent for NMVOCs, 68 per cent for PM2.5, 71 per cent for nitrogen oxides, 84 per cent for carbon monoxide, 96 per cent for sulphur dioxide and 97 per cent for lead
• ammonia – Scottish emissions accounted for 11 per cent of the UK total. The main source of Scottish emissions was agriculture which was responsible for 92 per cent ammonia emissions
• PM10 – Scottish emissions accounted for nine per cent of UK emissions. 32 per cent of Scottish emissions came from combustion, 26 per cent from industrial processes, 18 per cent from agriculture and 17 per cent from transport sources
• NMVOCs – Scottish emissions accounted for 17 per cent of UK emissions. Industrial processes (mainly breweries and distilleries) accounted for 49 per cent of Scottish emilsions, solvents and other product use 19 per cent and fugitive emissions from fuels 14 per cent
• PM2.5 – Scottish emissions accounted for eight per cent of UK emissions. Fifty seven per cent of Scottish emissions came from combustion and 22 per cent from transport sources
• nitrogen oxides – Scottish emissions accounted for 11 per cent of UK emissions. Transport sources accounted for 51 per cent of Scottish emissions, combustion 31 per cent and energy industries 13 per cent
• carbon monoxide – Scottish emissions accounted for seven per cent of UK emissions. Combustion accounted for 68 per cent of Scottish emissions and transport sources 26 per cent
• sulphur dioxide – Scottish emissions accounted for eight per cent of UK emissions. Thirty eight per cent of Scottish emissions came from combustion, 37 per cent from power generation and 18 per cent from transport sources
• lead – Scottish emissions accounted for six per cent of UK emissions. Transport accounted for 51 per cent of Scottish emissions, combustion 24 per cent and industrial processes 20 per cent

Air pollutant emissions are reviewed every year, and the whole historical data series is revised to incorporate methodological improvements and new data.

Official statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff – more information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed here.

Scotland has become the first country in the UK to ban the sale and manufacture of plastic-stemmed cotton buds as part of attempts to reduce single use plastics.

Most major retailers switched to paper-stemmed buds in the months leading up to the ban following a campaign.

A similar ban – also including plastic coffee stirrers and straws – comes into force in the rest of the UK next year.

Cotton buds are consistently listed in the top 10 forms of beach litter by the Marine Conservation Society. Across the UK, about 1.8 billion of them are sold every year.

Environmental campaigners welcomed the decision, with Marine Conservation Society Scotland Conservation Officer Catherine Gemmell saying volunteers had picked up over 150,000 plastic cotton bud sticks from Scottish beaches over the last 25 years.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “I am proud that the Scottish Government has become the first UK administration to ban plastic-stemmed cotton buds, with Regulations laid in Parliament on 2 September now coming into force.

“Single-use plastic products are not only wasteful but generate unnecessary litter that blights our beautiful beaches and green spaces while threatening our wildlife on land and at sea.

“This ban builds on work already underway to address Scotland’s throw-away culture, and we will continue to take action on other problematic items in the coming years as part of our efforts to reduce harmful plastics and single-use items, protect our environment and develop a thriving circular economy.

The introduction of minimum pricing for alcohol has had a modest economic impact on the drinks industry in Scotland, a report has found.

The report, commissioned by NHS Health Scotland is part of a wide-ranging evaluation of the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012 which established Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP).

In an initial assessment of the economic effects of MUP, researchers at Frontier Economics evaluated its economic impact on producers and alcohol retailers in the nine months following the introduction of the policy in May 2018.

The researchers conducted case studies with a range of businesses in Scotland and reviewed observation evidence on the industry’s performance.

The initial report, found that the short-term effects of the policy have been modest. Those interviewed reported that overall, MUP has led to a decrease in the volume of alcohol sold, but that this was largely offset by increased prices. The effects of MUP on producer revenues and profits were also small, with wholesale prices unaffected by MUP.

In addition, no retailer or producer reported closing stores or production facilities, reducing staff numbers or reducing investment as a result of MUP. 

The researchers also interviewed retailers on both sides of the Scotland-England border to see if MUP had led to an increase in people from Scotland buying alcohol from stores in England. However, they did not find evidence that MUP had a significant impact on the profitability of Scottish retailers located near the border

Andrew Leicester, manager at Frontier Economics, said: "The respondents interviewed in this study suggested that demand changed in a number of ways in the first nine months following MUP coming into force, with sales of products that were previously retailing below the minimum unit price decreasing the most. 

"Demand for smaller sizes, low-alcohol products or premium products less affected by price increases, has seen some producers and retailers adapt their strategy and product offering in response to MUP."

Neil Craig, head of evaluation at NHS Health Scotland, said: "NHS Health Scotland are leading a robust and comprehensive evaluation of Minimum Unit Pricing, which will provide a full understanding of what difference the legislation is making and to whom. 

"That of course includes the impact MUP could make to levels of alcohol-related health and social harm, but also requires us to assess the effect on the alcoholic drinks industry in Scotland."

Alison Douglas, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said: "It's encouraging to see further evidence that MUP has resulted in less alcohol being sold in Scotland and that this has been achieved without any negative impact on the alcohol industry. 

"Even a small reduction in the amount of alcohol consumed in Scotland will bring big benefits for people's health."

The next findings from the MUP evaluation are to be published by early 2020 and include the effect of the policy on children and young people.

The Scottish Government has set out a finalised policy of no support for the development of unconventional oil and gas (UOG) sometimes known as “fracking” in Scotland.

This means the Scottish Government will not issue licences for new UOG development, and that Scotland’s planning framework will not support development using unconventional oil and gas extraction techniques, including coal bed methane and hydraulic fracturing.

In a statement made at Holyrood by Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse he confirmed this position following a comprehensive period of evidence-gathering and consultation, including environmental and business assessments. He also set out the factors which led to this decision, including the incompatibility of UOG development with climate change policy.

The finalised policy position will also be reflected in the next iteration of the National Planning Framework.  Under the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 this must be approved by Parliament before it can be adopted by Ministers. Once the new National Planning Framework has been approved, no Government will be able to adopt a revised National Planning Framework to support unconventional oil and gas development without the backing of the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Wheelhouse said:

“The Scottish Government’s final policy position is that we do not support the development of unconventional oil and gas – often known as ‘fracking’ – in Scotland.

“That decision followed consideration of many factors including the significant negative effects that UOG development could have on our natural environment and the health and wellbeing of communities, while bearing in mind the overwhelming feedback from the public that this should not be permitted in Scotland.

“After a comprehensive evidence-gathering exercise, we have concluded that the development of onshore unconventional oil and gas is incompatible with our policies on climate change, energy transition and the decarbonisation of our economy.

“Fracking can only happen if licences are issued and we do not intend to issue any licences which would permit that.”

“I want to thank all those who contributed to our policy process and to recognise the considered submissions made by so many people.”

It has taken four years for the Scottish government to make the statement. Ministers said they would take an "evidence based" approach and ordered six reports into the impact of fracking.

A subsequent consultation exercise showed "overwhelming opposition" to the practice which has caused ground tremors in Lancashire where the UK government has given its backing to the sector.

by Jill Sunter, Health Promotion Officer, Fife Health and Social Care Partnership

Breastfeeding is really important to the health of both mother and baby, yet Scotland has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe. While many new mums start breastfeeding, some will stop within a few months. This is often because they feel there is a lack of support, particularly when they want to feed their baby outside their home. 

Some business may be unaware that The Breastfeeding etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 makes it illegal to stop a mum feeding her child under the age of 2 years, either by breastfeeding or bottle feeding, in premises where the public have general access.  The Equality Act 2010 confers the same protection for breastfeeding children over the age of 2 years, supporting families for the duration of feeding.

Now, however, businesses and organisations can actively support new mums by displaying their membership of the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme. Making premises breastfeeding friendly will help mums to be more confident about breastfeeding and therefore, will be likely to continue breastfeeding for longer. This will benefit both their health and their baby’s.

Every business knows the value of repeat customers and word of mouth.  Breastfeeding mums who feel that they and their babies have been made welcome will come back to your business and will also tell their family and friends.  

Business wanting to join the scheme can contact their local NHS Board who will provide them with their Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland scheme award and window stickers.  

Further advice for employers on the Breastfeeding etc (Scotland) Act 2005 can be found here.

Reducing your energy use isn’t just good for our planet, it’s great news for your business’s bottom line too. In fact, advisers from the Scottish Government’s Resource Efficient Scotland programme typically find that by taking action to reduce their energy use, Scottish small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) can easily slash 24% off their energy costs – and there’s never been a better time to act. 

The Scottish Government’s SME Loan Scheme is helping businesses across Scotland to reduce their energy costs and environmental impact.

Over £26 million of unsecured, interest-free loans have already been provided to Scottish SMEs – and over 1,000 cost-saving, profit-boosting projects have been supported. 

Right now, while funds last, SMEs that use the loan to install eligible measures will receive 15% cashback on completion of their project (to a maximum value of £10,000).

The loan can be used to implement a wide range of resource efficiency measures to help you cut costs and carbon emissions. For instance, investing in new LED lighting, installing more efficient heating systems and insulation or upgrading machinery and IT equipment – the list goes on. 

Taking out an interest-free loan to cut energy bills and also receive 15% cashback really is a win-win for your business. A good example can be seen at Ayrshire-based textile producer Robert Mackie of Scotland which used the interest-free loan to upgrade its knitting machines to a more energy efficient model, creating annual savings of £96,760 and 40.8 tonnes of carbon. 

Another manufacturing business that has benefitted from an SME loan is Eyemouth Freezers, an independent food-processing company based in Eyemouth. The company used the loan to install new LED lights and upgrade its equipment, and is now set to save over £30,000 a year. 

And it’s not just manufacturing businesses that can make savings. Highland Farm Cottages used the SME loan to fund new heating and solar PV installations, saving over £19k on its energy costs.  Offices up and down the country can benefit too by installing new lighting and heating or even just upgrading IT equipment, like MBM print did.  

So, what are you waiting for? To find out how your business could benefit, contact Resource Efficient Scotland’s friendly advisers today by calling 
0808 808 2268 or emailing enquiries@resourceefficientscotland.com. Or visit their website.

The 2018 Annual Reports for Private Water Supplies has been published by Scotland’s Drinking Water Quality Regulator.

In 2018, a total of 42,440 tests were taken from regulated private water supplies (PWS) which are those supplying more than 50 people or a commercial activity. 

93.5 per cent of tests met the required standard, but 11% of these supplies had a sample that contained E.coli.

Compliance figures have not changed significantly for the past three years, suggesting that limited improvements are been made, in spite of efforts by local authorities and the existence of a Scottish Government grant.

Private water supplies were also affected by the very dry weather in 2018 and local authorities reported that the owners of some 500 supplies contacted them for emergency assistance when their supplies ran dry.

Private water supplies are those owned and managed by individuals rather than Scottish Water and around 3.6 per cent of the Scottish population receive their water from them.

PWS regulations are enforced by Environmental Health teams at local authorities. The regulations were revised in October 2017, bringing into force The Water Intended for Human Consumption (Private Supplies) (Scotland) Regulations 2017. These cover large domestic or commercial supplies. Smaller household PWS (referred to as Type B supplies) continue to be governed by The Private Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2006. 

According to the latest report from Scotland’s Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR), a significant number do not meet the required drinking water standards and need to make improvements.

In 2018, 16 Enforcement Notices were served by local authorities across Scotland. This an encouraging upturn on previous years, but more needs to be done given the number of failing supplies. Although responsibility for private supplies rests with owners and users, local authorities are urged to continue to provide appropriate advice and DWQR expects them to make full use of the enforcement powers available to tackle and deliver improvements. 

Sue Petch, Drinking Water Quality Regulator, said:

“I am concerned with the poor quality of some of the private water supplies in Scotland, particularly those that tested positive for E. coli. It is very important that these supplies are improved so that people using them have a safe and reliable supply of drinking water.

“Advice and information is available from local authorities who also provide a grant which can help towards the costs of improvement.”

The Scottish Government has introduced a private water supply hub to enable owners and users to access clear and simple information to help them manage their supply.

A Scottish Government non-means tested grant of £800 per property is available for improving private water supplies. This may be accessed, along with advice on improving a private water supply, by contacting the environmental health department of the relevant local authority.

On the 3 September the Scottish Government announced their programme for the year ahead with the publication of the 2019-20 Programme for Government. Entitled Protecting Scotland’s Future, the programme unveiled 14 new Bills, as well as non-legislative announcements.

Ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change and securing a positive future for generations to come are the focus of this year’s Programme for Government. The programme sets out how the Scottish Government will:

·       build a successful, fair and green economy

·       improve outcomes through public services

·       create communities where everyone is valued, protected and respected

One of the 14 new Bills is the Good Food Nation Bill, which will be introduced this year, will provide a statutory framework for efforts to promote healthier and more sustainable local produce.

In line with this, by autumn of next year the Scottish Government aim to make improvements to school meals. It will set maximum limits for the consumption of red processed meat; increase the amount of fruit and vegetables served; reduce the amount of sugar available; and encourage the use of fresh local produce.

The programme also includes a commitment to bring forward a Bill on Restricting Foods Promotions in next year’s legislative programme, to restrict the promotion and marketing of food and drink high in fat, sugar or salt.

Another of the Bills announced is the Circular Economy Bill which aims to advance ambitions for the circular economy, including encouraging re-use of products and resource waste.

Other measures include:

·       investment of more than £500 million to improve bus infrastructure across the country to encourage more people to use public transport

·       decarbonise Scotland’s railways by 2035 and make the Highlands and Islands the world’s first net zero aviation region by 2040

·       launch of a new Scottish Low Carbon Heat Funding Invitation through our Low Carbon Innovation Fund, targeting a minimum £30 million of support for renewable heat projects

·       develop regulations so that new homes from 2024 must use renewable or low carbon heat

·       targeting a minimum of £30 million of support for renewable heat projects

·       taking forward planning to mitigate the worst consequences of a ‘no deal’ Brexit

Bills for introduction in 2019-20 are as follows:

·       Animal Health and Welfare (Amendment) Bill

·       Budget Bill

·       Circular Economy Bill

·       Civil Partnership Bill

·       Continuity Bill

·       Defamation and Malicious Publication Bill

·       UEFA European Championship Bill

·       Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) Bill

·       Good Food Nation Bill

·       Hate Crime Bill

·       Heat Networks Bill

·       Redress (Survivors of In Care Abuse) Bill

·       Rural Support Bill

·       Transient Visitor Levy Bill

New 2019 Building Standards Technical handbooks have been published and comes into force on 1 October 2019.  

The Scottish Government publish new technical handbooks which explain how to achieve the requirements set out in the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004.

The main changes are to the provision for fire safety within Section 2 (Fire) in both the domestic and non-domestic handbooks. These changes form part of the output from the Ministerial Working Group on Building and Fire Safety and the 2018 consultation on fire safety.

A further change under standard 3.12 introduces provision of ‘Changing Places Toilets’ in larger non-domestic buildings.

The Handbooks apply to a building warrant submitted on or after 1 October 2019 and to building work which does not require a warrant commenced from that date.

The Scottish Government are hosting two information events on the technical and procedural changes, in Cambuslang and Inverness.

An analysis on a recent consultation on restricting the promotion and marketing of foods high in fat, sugar, or salt, and have little to no nutritional benefit has been published.  

Following this analysis, the Scottish Government has brought forward the development of the Bill Restricting Foods Promotions in this parliament

There were 726 responses from individuals and organisations on the proposals being considered which included the restriction of multi-buys and junk food displays at checkouts. 

Of the 726 responses analysed, 632 were from individuals (87%) and 94 were from organisations (13%) – comprising 55 (59%) from non-industry organisations (public sector, third sector and other) and 39 (41%) from industry organisations (manufacturers, industry representative bodies, retailers and Out of Home sector).

The analysis also examines views on the overall aim of reducing public health harms associated with the excessive consumption of food and drink which is high in fat, sugar or salt.

Following the consultation, the Scottish Government announced in the Programme for Government that it will bring forward a Bill on Restricting Foods Promotions in this parliament.

In general, there was support for the aim to reduce the public health harms associated with the excessive consumption of calories, fat, sugar and salt and diet-related conditions. However, views were mixed as to whether the restrictions proposed were the most appropriate way to achieve this.

Across the consultation, distinct viewpoints emerged by respondent type. Many respondents from non-industry organisations felt the proposed approach was necessary in light of the scale of the public health challenge, purchasing patterns and the shortcomings of other approaches. 

Many respondents from industry either disagreed with the approach or did not indicate a specific view but raised concerns and suggested alternative approaches. In effect, support for the specific proposals, where they were restrictive, was low and, where they were not restrictive or allowed exemptions, was higher.

Individual respondents were fairly split in their view. Support for the approach was more common overall, generally acknowledging the problem of obesity in Scotland and that the proposed restrictions would reduce the likelihood of people buying and consuming excessive amounts of unhealthy foods.

Public Health Minister Joe FitzPatrick said:

“We want to reduce the harms caused by poor diet and weight and make it easier for people to make healthier choices.

“Having the right measures in place to restrict junk food promotions which encourage over-consumption and impulse buying will help us achieve our ambition to halve childhood obesity by 2030. That’s why I will introduce a Bill as soon as is practicable.

“The independent analysis published today will help to inform the development of the Bill.”

Scottish ministers have published draft legislation for the establishment of the Deposit Return Scheme, with an expected start date of 1 April 2021.

The new regulations will see the establishment of a scheme that will include aluminium and steel cans as well as drinks containers made of glass and PET plastic with a 20p deposit.

By increasing both the amount and quality of this material being recycled and reducing litter, the system will help to combat climate change as well as offering benefits to industry and the public.

Under the legislation, producers will be required to collect a target percentage of the packaging they place onto the market in a calendar year, by collecting their own scheme packaging from retailers and return points, and accepting the return of their scheme packaging from wholesalers. Producers will reimburse deposits for any packaging returned or collected.

The Scottish Government will continue to work with the Independent Advisory Group in developing our Deposit Return Scheme proposals, and will consider any representations made before bringing forward a final set of Regulations for the normal affirmative procedure, including a vote in the Scottish Parliament.

A recent survey by Zero Waste Scotland showed strong public support for the scheme, including the inclusion of glass.

Stakeholders have been given until 10 December 2019 to comment on the proposals.

Commenting on the plans Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said:

“Our Deposit Return Scheme is the first national scheme of its type in the UK. It is ambitious in scale and scope, and gives the people of Scotland a clear and straightforward way to do their bit for the environment.

“Research has shown that the scheme is anticipated to reduce the £46 million spent each year on litter removal and is expected to reduce emissions equivalent to taking 85,000 cars off our roads, while also enjoying widespread public support across Scotland.

“There is a global climate emergency which demands we show ambition to tackle it and safeguard our planet for future generations. This process will enable us to fine tune our proposals to ensure that they work well for industry, retail and the public, and we will continue to work with the Implementation Advisory Group to that end. I am delighted to confirm that the regulations required to bring our Deposit Return Scheme into reality have now been laid.”

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland:

“These regulations put Scotland on track to deliver a world class deposit return scheme. Placing a 20p deposit on drinks bottles and cans shows that these materials have a value to our economy, and a cost to our climate if they are wasted.

“That 20p incentive will boost recycling and cut Scotland’s CO2e emissions, playing a part in the fightback against the climate emergency. It's little wonder that nearly four in five Scots support it. With drinks producers given the opportunity to group together to deliver the scheme, they can lead this exciting step towards a more circular economy.”

On the 5 September a new Statutory Instrument (SI)was laid in UK Parliament tightening the rules to help protect the food allergy and food intolerance sufferers in England.

The new law, known as ‘Natasha’s Law’, will require food businesses to include full ingredients labelling on pre-packed for direct sale foods.  The law titled Food Information (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019, will come into effect from October 2021.

Currently, food prepared on the premises in which it is sold is not required to display allergen information on the label, meaning allergy sufferers sometimes lack confidence buying food to eat whilst they are out.

The law follows the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, the teenager who died after suffering an allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger baguette, the government confirmed stronger laws would be implemented to protect those with allergies and give them greater confidence in the food they buy.

The reforms cover labelling requirements for foods that are prepared and packed on the same premises from which they are sold – such as a packaged sandwich or salad made by staff earlier in the day and placed on a shelf for purchase.

Food businesses across the country have already taken steps to improve food labelling and outlets are being urged to do all they can ahead of the implementation date to help consumers make safe food choices.

These changes will apply to businesses in England, with similar arrangements expected to follow in the devolved nations to provide a UK wide approach to protecting consumers.