Power to use local authority premises
169.Paragraph 16 provides for the SCS to require a local authority to let or sub-let premises to the SCS or make such premises available for use by the SCS. Where the SCS requires a local authority to do the former this is subject to agreement on the terms of the lease (including the rent payable) and to the agreement of any third party who has an interest in the premises. Where the SCS requires a local authority to do the latter the SCS must reimburse the authority for any reasonable expenses in respect of heating, lighting and cleaning and must allow the premises to continue to be used for any business normally conducted there. This re-enacts the provisions made in Part 2 of the 1971 Act in relation to sheriff courts and in section 60 of the 2007 Act in relation to JP courts and extends it to all courts for which the SCS is responsible. (Part 2 of the 1971 Act and section 60 of the 2007 Act are repealed by paragraphs 2(5) and 5(3)(b) respectively of Schedule 5 to the Act.) Subparagraph (4) provides that the SCS may in turn allow any premises let or used by them under this paragraph to be used by other persons on the condition that it does not adversely interfere with the business normally conducted there. An example might be where the SCS allows part of such premises to be used by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
