COVID Recovery and Reform Bill introduced

26 Jan 2022 12:37 PM

MSPs to scrutinise proposed law reforms.

Legislation proposing the permanent adoption or temporary extension of some beneficial measures enacted during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was published yesterday.

The Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill proposes changes in 30 specific legislative areas, which were modified by temporary provisions made under Scottish and UK coronavirus legislation.

It follows a 12 week consultation process held between July and November 2021. Almost 3,000 responses were received from individuals, and organisations such as COSLA, Shelter Scotland, and Victim Support Scotland.

MSPs will now scrutinise and debate measures proposed in the Bill, which include:

Deputy First Minister and COVID Recovery Secretary John Swinney said:

“Scottish Ministers have already removed many of the temporary measures that supported our response to the pandemic, which are no longer needed.

“However, we believe those pragmatic reforms that have delivered demonstrable benefit to the people of Scotland should continue. Whilst it has been incredibly disruptive, the urgency of the pandemic has driven the pace of digital adoption, and in some cases more efficient ways of working, and better service to the public.

“I am grateful to everyone who took the time to respond to our consultation, which has been considered very carefully in the drafting of this Bill, to embed these beneficial reforms in Scotland’s public services, along with the temporary extension of some justice measures to assist the courts with clearing the backlog of cases arising from the pandemic.

“Our priorities are to continue to lead Scotland safely through and out of the Covid pandemic, to address inequalities made worse by Covid, make progress towards a wellbeing economy and accelerate inclusive, person-centred public services, and this Bill supports those aims.”

Background:

Links to the Bill, the consultation analysis report and other Bill documentation are available here.

Provisions that have already expired under the Scottish Coronavirus Acts include: