Legislation / Legal

ScotGov: Legislation to complete a programme of property law reform in Scotland was published recently. The Long Leases (Scotland) Bill will bring an end to ultra-long leases (let for more than 175 years and with more than 100 years to run) by converting them to ownership. The Scottish Government estimates that there are around 9,000 ultra-long leases in Scotland.  Two thirds of ultra-long leases have annual rents of £5 or less.
 
The Bill forms part of a programme of property law reform put forward by the Scottish Law Commission.  This included the reform of feudal tenure through the Abolition of Feudal Tenure etc (Scotland) Act 2000.
Press release & links
 
SGC: Following a 3 month period of training & implementation the definitive guideline on burglary offences came into effect on 16 January 2012.
Press release & links
 
HO: New proposals will allow taxi licensing authorities to carry out enhanced criminal records checks on their drivers before they are issued with a licence.  Current drivers will get additional checks when they renew their licence.
 
The proposed changes are part of plans to simplify & reform the system of criminal records checks, while ensuring adequate protections are in place where they are needed most. Changes will be made by secondary legislation as soon as practicable.
Press release & links ~ LGA response
 
ScotGovSingle police and fire & rescue services in Scotland will bring local services to the heart of communities, the Justice Secretary said last week. There will be designated local senior officers at the centre of a new, strong relationship between councils and the services, and a statutory duty to provide adequate local police and fire services.  The services will be independent, with no operational control by Ministers, but subject to Parliamentary scrutiny.
Press release ~ Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill
 
PC&PE: The law on ‘joint enterprise’ is so confusing for juries & courts alike that legislation is needed to ensure justice for both victims and defendants and end the high number of cases reaching the Court of Appeal, MPs on the Justice Committee have warned in a new report.
Press release & links
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