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Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020

2020 asp 10

The Bill for this Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed by the Parliament on 20th May 2020 and received Royal Assent on 26th May 2020

An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make provision in connection with coronavirus; and for connected purposes.

PART 1 SMain provisions

Key expressionS

1Meaning of “coronavirus”S

In this Act, “coronavirus” means severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Protection of the individualS

2Protection of the individualS

Schedule 1 contains modifications to the law in response to coronavirus in relation to various matters concerning the protection of the individual.

JusticeS

3Operation of the justice systemS

Schedule 2 contains modifications to the law in response to coronavirus in relation to the operation of the justice system.

Reports, accounts and other documentsS

4Reports, accounts and other documentsS

Schedule 3 contains modifications to the law in response to coronavirus in relation to various matters concerning the preparation of reports, accounts and other documents.

Other measures in response to coronavirusS

5Other measures in response to coronavirusS

Schedule 4 contains other measures in response to coronavirus.

PART 2 SSupporting and final provisions

Supporting provisionsS

6Advancement of equality and non-discriminationS

(1)In exercising a function conferred by virtue of Part 1 (including a function of making subordinate legislation), the Scottish Ministers must have regard—

(a)to the importance of communicating in an inclusive way,

(b)to opportunities to advance equality and non-discrimination.

(2)In subsection (1)(a), “communicating in an inclusive way” means communicating in a way that ensures that individuals who have difficulty communicating (in relation to speech, language or otherwise) can receive information and express themselves in ways that best meet each individual's needs.

(3)Section 9 (advancement of equality and non-discrimination) of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 is amended by subsections (4) to (6).

(4)The existing text becomes subsection (1).

(5)In that subsection, for “regard” substitute “regard—

(a)to the importance of communicating in an inclusive way,

(b)”.

(6)After that subsection insert—

“(2)In subsection (1)(a), “communicating in an inclusive way” means communicating in a way that ensures that individuals who have difficulty communicating (in relation to speech, language or otherwise) can receive information and express themselves in ways that best meet each individual's needs.”.

7Subordinate legislation making powersS

A power to make subordinate legislation conferred by virtue of Part 1 includes power to make—

(a)incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision,

(b)different provision for different purposes or areas.

8Power to suspend and revive provisionsS

(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations—

(a)suspend the operation of any provision of Part 1,

(b)revive the operation of a provision so suspended.

(2)Sections 15 to 17 of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (effect of repeals) apply to the suspension of a provision by regulations under subsection (1)(a) as if the provision had been repealed by an Act.

(3)The powers in subsection (1) may be exercised more than once in relation to the same provision.

(4)Regulations under this section may make—

(a)different provision for different purposes or areas,

(b)consequential provision,

(c)transitional, transitory or saving provision.

(5)The power under subsection (4)(b) and (c) includes power to modify any enactment (including this Act).

(6)Regulations under this section—

(a)which add to, replace or omit any part of the text of an Act are subject to the affirmative procedure,

(b)otherwise, are subject to the negative procedure.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

9ExpiryS

(1)Part 1 expires [F1at the end of [F230 September 2022]].

(2)Subsection (1) is subject to section 10 (power to bring forward expiry).

[F3(3)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations amend subsection (1) so as to replace “31 March 2022” with “30 September 2022”.]

(5)Regulations under subsection (3) are subject to the affirmative procedure.

(6)[F4At the same time as] laying a draft Scottish statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (3) before the Scottish Parliament in accordance with section 29(2) of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (instruments subject to affirmative procedure), the Scottish Ministers must lay before the Parliament a statement of their reasons why the regulations should be made.

F5(7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F5(8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make—

(a)consequential provision,

(b)transitional, transitory or saving provision,

in connection with the expiry under subsection (1) of any provision of this Act.

(10)Regulations under subsection (9) may—

(a)make different provision for different purposes or areas,

(b)modify any enactment (including this Act).

(11)Regulations under subsection (9)—

(a)which add to, replace or omit any part of the text of an Act are subject to the affirmative procedure,

(b)otherwise, are subject to the negative procedure.

Textual Amendments

F3S. 9(3) substituted for s. 9(3)(4) (5.8.2021) by Coronavirus (Extension and Expiry) (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 19), ss. 1(6), 11(2)

10Power to bring forward expiryS

(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations provide that any provision of Part 1—

(a)does not expire at the time when it would otherwise expire (whether by virtue of section 9 or previous regulations under this section), and

(b)expires instead at such earlier time as is specified in the regulations.

(2)Regulations under this section may make—

(a)different provision for different purposes or areas,

(b)consequential provision,

(c)transitional, transitory or saving provision.

(3)The power under subsection (2)(b) and (c) includes power to modify any enactment (including this Act).

(4)Regulations under this section—

(a)which add to, replace or omit any part of the text of an Act are subject to the affirmative procedure,

(b)otherwise, are subject to the negative procedure.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

11Power to amend Act in consequence of amendments to subordinate legislationS

(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations modify any provision of this Act which modifies the effect of a provision of subordinate legislation.

(2)The power in subsection (1) may be exercised only if the modification is necessary in consequence of the modification of the provision of the subordinate legislation by other subordinate legislation.

(3)Regulations under subsection (1) may make transitional, transitory or saving provision.

(4)Regulations under subsection (1) must be laid before the Scottish Parliament as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been made.

(5)Regulations under subsection (1) cease to have effect at the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which they are made unless, during that period, they are approved by resolution of the Scottish Parliament.

(6)In calculating the period of 28 days for the purpose of subsection (5), no account is to be taken of any period during which the Scottish Parliament is—

(a)in recess for more than 4 days, or

(b)dissolved.

(7)If regulations cease to have effect as a result of subsection (5), that does not—

(a)affect the validity of anything previously done under them, or

(b)prevent the making of new regulations.

Reporting requirementsS

12Reports by the Scottish Ministers on the status of provisionsS

(1)The Scottish Ministers must, in respect of each reporting period—

(a)undertake a review of the operation of the provisions of Part 1 with a view to considering whether those provisions remain necessary, and

(b)prepare a report on that review.

(2)A report prepared under subsection (1) must—

(a)set out how any powers conferred by the provisions of Part 1 have been exercised, and

(b)include—

(i)the status of the provisions of Part 1 (whether or not any power under a provision has been exercised), and

(ii)a statement that the Scottish Ministers are satisfied that the status of those provisions is appropriate.

(3)The references in subsection (2) to the “status” of a provision are to—

(a)whether the provision is in force at the end of the reporting period, and

(b)whether any power under the following provisions has been exercised by the Scottish Ministers in relation to it during that period (and, if so, how)—

(i)section 8 (power to suspend and revive provisions),

(ii)section 10 (power to bring forward expiry).

(4)Each of the following is a “reporting period”—

(a)the period beginning with the day after Royal Assent and ending on 31 July 2020,

(b)each successive period of 2 months that ends during the period before Part 1 expires by virtue of section 9(1).

(5)The Scottish Ministers must lay each report under subsection (1) before the Scottish Parliament no later than 14 days after the expiry of a reporting period.

13Reviews: information about domestic abuseS

(1)The Scottish Ministers must—

(a)in undertaking a review under section 12(1)(a), take account of any information about the nature and number of incidents of domestic abuse occurring during the reporting period to which the review relates given to them, or published, by—

(i)the Scottish Police Authority, or

(ii)the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland, and

(b)explain in the report on that review prepared under section 12(1)(b) how the information was taken account of.

(2)The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 is amended by subsection (3).

(3)After section 15 (reports by the Scottish Ministers on status of provisions), insert—

“15AReviews: information about domestic abuse

(1)The Scottish Ministers must—

(a)in undertaking a review under section 15(1)(a), take account of any information about the nature and number of incidents of domestic abuse occurring during the reporting period to which the review relates given to them, or published, by—

(i)the Scottish Police Authority, or

(ii)the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland, and

(b)explain in the report on that review prepared under section 15(1)(b) how the information was taken account of.

(2)In subsection (1)(a), “reporting period” means a period mentioned in section 15(4)(b).”.

14Reports by the Scottish Ministers on coronavirus-related instrumentsS

(1)The Scottish Ministers must, in respect of each reporting period—

(a)undertake a review of all Scottish statutory instruments (other than excepted instruments)—

(i)made by them, and

(ii)the main purpose of which is to make provision for a reason relating to coronavirus, and

(b)prepare a report on that review.

(2)A report prepared under subsection (1) must, in relation to each instrument—

(a)set out—

(i)its title,

(ii)the powers under which it was made,

(iii)the parliamentary procedure to which it was subject, and

(iv)the period for which it has effect,

(b)include—

(i)its status, and

(ii)a statement that the Scottish Ministers are satisfied that its status is appropriate.

(3)The references in subsection (2)(b) to the “status” of an instrument are to whether the provision made by the instrument is in force at the end of the reporting period.

(4)Each of the following is a “reporting period”—

(a)the period beginning with the day after Royal Assent and ending on 31 July 2020,

(b)each successive period of 2 months that ends during the period before Part 1 expires by virtue of section 9(1).

(5)The Scottish Ministers must lay each report under subsection (1) before the Scottish Parliament no later than 14 days after the expiry of a reporting period.

(6)In subsection (1)(a), “excepted instruments” means Scottish statutory instruments containing provision made under a power conferred by virtue of—

(a)this Act,

(b)the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020, or

(c)the Coronavirus Act 2020.

GeneralS

15Ancillary provisionS

(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make any incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision they consider appropriate for the purposes of, or in connection with, or for giving full effect to this Act or any provision made under it.

(2)Regulations under subsection (1) may modify any enactment (including this Act).

(3)Without prejudice to section 6 of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (power to revoke, amend and re-enact), the Scottish Ministers may by regulations modify any regulations made under subsection (1) in consequence of—

(a)the exercise of a power under section 8 (power to suspend and revive provisions),

(b)the expiry of a provision of this Act under section 9 (expiry),

(c)the exercise of a power under section 10 (power to bring forward expiry).

(4)Regulations under subsection (3) may make transitional, transitory or saving provision.

(5)Regulations under this section—

(a)which add to, replace or omit any part of the text of an Act are subject to the affirmative procedure,

(b)otherwise, are subject to the negative procedure.

16CommencementS

(1)This Act comes into force on the day after Royal Assent.

(2)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make transitional, transitory or saving provision in connection with the coming into force of any provision of this Act.

17Short titleS

The short title of this Act is the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020.

SCHEDULE 1SProtection of the individual

(introduced by section 2)

PART 1 SStudent residential tenancy: termination by tenant

Interpretation of this PartS

1(1)In this Part—S

(2)In a case where two or more persons jointly are the landlord under a tenancy, references in this Part to the landlord are to any of those persons.

(3)In a case where two or more persons jointly are the tenant under a tenancy, references in this Part to the tenant are to all of those persons F6....

Textual Amendments

Tenant's ability to bring tenancy to an endS

2(1)A tenant may, for a reason relating to coronavirus, bring to an end a student residential tenancy by giving to the landlord a notice which fulfils the requirements described in paragraph 3.S

(2)A tenancy comes to an end in accordance with sub-paragraph (1) on the day on which the notice states (in whatever terms) that it is to come to an end.

Requirements for notice to be given by tenantS

3(1)A notice fulfils the requirements referred to in paragraph 2(1) if—S

(a)it is in writing, and

(b)it states, as the day on which the tenancy is to end, a day that is after the last day of the minimum notice period.

(2)In sub-paragraph (1)(b), “the minimum notice period” means a period which—

(a)begins on the day the notice is received by the landlord, and

(b)ends on the day falling—

F7(i). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii)F8... 28 days after the period begins.

F9(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F9(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F7Sch. 1 para. 3(2)(b)(i) expires (30.9.2021 at the end of the day) by Coronavirus (Extension and Expiry) (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 19), ss. 2(8)(a)(i), 11(2)

F8Words in Sch. 1 para. 3(2)(b)(ii) expire (30.9.2021 at the end of the day) by Coronavirus (Extension and Expiry) (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 19), ss. 2(8)(a)(ii), 11(2)

F9Sch. 1 para. 3(3)(4) expires (30.9.2021 at the end of the day) by Coronavirus (Extension and Expiry) (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 19), ss. 2(8)(a)(iii), 11(2)

PART 2 STenancies: pre-action requirements for order for possession or eviction order on ground of rent arrears

Assured and short assured tenancyS

4(1)The Housing (Scotland) Act 1988 applies in accordance with the modifications in this paragraph.S

(2)Section 18 (orders for possession) has effect as if—

(a)after subsection (3A) there were inserted—

“(3B)Subsection (3C) applies where the First-tier Tribunal is satisfied—

(a)that Ground 8 in schedule 5 is established, and

(b)that all or part of the rent in respect of which the tenant is in arrears as mentioned in that Ground relates to the period during which paragraph 4 of schedule 1 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020 is in force.

(3C)Where this subsection applies, in considering for the purposes of subsection (4) (as applied in accordance with the modification made by paragraph 3(2)(b) of schedule 1 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020) whether it is reasonable to make an order for possession against the tenant, the First-tier Tribunal is to consider the extent to which the landlord has complied with pre-action requirements before raising the proceedings for possession.”,

(b)after subsection (8) there were inserted—

“(9)In subsection (3C), “pre-action requirements” means such requirements as the Scottish Ministers may specify in regulations.

(10)Regulations under subsection (9) may in particular make provision about—

(a)information to be provided by a landlord to a tenant including information about the terms of the tenancy, rent arrears and any other outstanding financial obligation under the tenancy,

(b)steps to be taken by a landlord with a view to seeking to agree arrangements with a tenant for payment of future rent, rent arrears and any other outstanding financial obligation under the tenancy,

(c)such other matters as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.

(11)Regulations under subsection (9) are subject to the affirmative procedure.”.

(3)Section 53(2) (orders and regulations) has effect as if after “above” there were inserted “ or regulations under section 18(9) ”.

Private residential tenancyS

5(1)The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 applies in accordance with the modifications in this paragraph.S

(2)Paragraph 12 of schedule 3 (rent arrears) has effect as if—

(a)after sub-paragraph (3) there were inserted—

“(3A)Sub-paragraph (3B) applies where the First-tier Tribunal is satisfied—

(a)that the eviction ground named by sub-paragraph (1) applies, and

(b)that all or part of the rent in respect of which the tenant is in arrears as mentioned in that eviction ground relates to the period during which paragraph 5 of schedule 1 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020 is in force.

(3B)Where this sub-paragraph applies, in considering for the purposes of sub-paragraph (3)(b) whether it is reasonable to issue an eviction order against the tenant, the First-tier Tribunal is to consider the extent to which the landlord has complied with pre-action requirements before applying for the eviction order.”,

(b)after sub-paragraph (5) there were inserted—

“(6)In sub-paragraph (3B), “pre-action requirements” means such requirements as the Scottish Ministers may specify in regulations.

(7)Regulations under sub-paragraph (6) may in particular make provision about—

(a)information to be provided by a landlord to a tenant including information about the terms of the tenancy, rent arrears and any other outstanding financial obligation under the tenancy,

(b)steps to be taken by a landlord with a view to seeking to agree arrangements with a tenant for payment of future rent, rent arrears and any other outstanding financial obligation under the tenancy,

(c)such other matters as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.”.

(3)Section 77(3) (regulation-making powers) has effect as if after “41” there were inserted “ and paragraph 12(6) of schedule 3 ”.

PART 3 SCarer's allowance supplement

F106S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10Sch. 1 para. 6 expires (30.9.2021 at the end of the day) by Coronavirus (Extension and Expiry) (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 19), ss. 2(8)(b), 11(2)

PART 4 SSocial care staff support fund

7(1)The Scottish Ministers must, as soon as practicable after Royal Assent, establish and maintain a fund to be known as the “social care staff support fund”.S

(2)The Scottish Ministers must use the fund to provide financial assistance to workers in the social care sector—

(a)whose ability to undertake contracted health and care work is, or has been, restricted, for a reason relating to coronavirus (such as, but not limited to, inability to work in multiple or linked workplaces), and

(b)as a result of that restriction, whose income is reduced and consequently would experience, or are experiencing, financial hardship during the period when Part 1 is in force.

(3)The Scottish Ministers must by regulations make further provision about the establishment, maintenance and administration of the fund.

(4)Regulations under sub-paragraph (3)—

(a)must be laid before the Scottish Parliament as soon as practicable after they are made,

(b)cease to have effect at the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which they are made unless, during that period, they are approved by resolution of the Scottish Parliament.

(5)In calculating the period of 28 days in sub-paragraph (4)(b), no account is to be taken of any period during which the Scottish Parliament is—

(a)in recess for more than 4 days, or

(b)dissolved.

(6)If regulations cease to have effect as a result of sub-paragraph (4)(b), that does not—

(a)affect anything previously done under the regulations,

(b)prevent the making of new regulations.

(7)In sub-paragraph (2), the “social care sector” includes any care service within the meaning given in section 47 of the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010.

PART 5 SBankruptcy

Electronic service of documentsS

8(1)The Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, in so far as it applies where the service of a document is authorised or required by or under the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016, applies in accordance with the modifications in this paragraph.S

(2)Section 26 (service of documents) has effect as if—

(a)in subsection (2), for paragraph (c) there were substituted—

“(c)by being transmitted to the person electronically.”,

(b)subsection (3) were repealed,

(c)for subsection (6) there were substituted—

“(6)For the purposes of subsection (2)(c)—

(a)electronic transmission of a document must be effected in a way that the recipient has indicated to the sender that the recipient is willing to receive the document,

(b)the recipient's indication of willingness to receive a document in a particular way may be—

(i)specific to the document in question or generally applicable to documents of that kind,

(ii)expressed specifically to the sender or generally (for example on a website),

(iii)inferred from the recipient having previously been willing to receive documents from the sender in that way and not having indicated unwillingness to do so again,

(c)the sender's uploading of a document to an electronic storage system from which the recipient is able to download the document may constitute electronic transmission of the document.”.

Financial criteria for minimal asset processS

F119S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Meaning of “qualified creditor”S

10(1)The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 applies in accordance with the modifications in this paragraph.S

(2)Section 7(1) (qualified creditor and qualified creditors) has effect as if—

(a)in the definition of “qualified creditor”, for “£3,000” there were substituted “ £10,000 ”,

(b)in the definition of “qualified creditors”, for “£3,000” there were substituted “ £10,000 ”.

Deadline for sending proposals for debtor's contributionS

F1211S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Virtual meetings of creditorsS

12(1)The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 applies in accordance with the modifications in this paragraph.S

(2)Part 2 (meetings of creditors) of schedule 6 has effect as if—

(a)for paragraph 13 there were substituted—

“13Every meeting must be held either—

(a)in such place (whether or not in the sheriffdom) as is, in the opinion of the person calling the meeting, the most convenient for the majority of the creditors, or

(b)by such electronic means as would, in the opinion of the person calling the meeting, be most convenient to allow the majority of the creditors to participate in the meeting without being together in the same place.

13AWhere a meeting is to be held in pursuance of paragraph 13(b), the references in paragraphs 4 and 6 to the place fixed for the holding of the meeting are to be read as references to the electronic means by which attendees are to be able to attend the meeting without being together in the same place.”,

(b)in paragraph 24—

(i)for “and place” there were substituted “ , and at the same place or by the same electronic means, ”,

(ii)for the words from “in” to “specified” there were substituted “ the resolution otherwise specifies ”.

Electronic signature of formsS

F1313S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Fees for debtor applicationsS

F1414S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART 6 SMental health: named person nomination

15(1)The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 applies in accordance with the modification in this paragraph.S

(2)Section 250 (nomination of named person) has effect as if in subsection (2A)(c), at the beginning, there were inserted “in the case of a docket signed by the nominated person before paragraph 15 of schedule 1 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020 comes into force,”.

PART 7 SCare homes

Emergency directionsS

16(1)The Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 applies in accordance with the modification in this paragraph.S

(2)The Act has effect as if after section 63 (special provision for certain care services provided by local authorities) there were inserted—

“Care homes: emergency directionsS
63AEmergency power to direct care home service during coronavirus pandemic

(1)A Health Board may, if the condition in subsection (2) is met, direct a person who provides a care home service registered under this Chapter at specified accommodation in the Board's area to take such steps as may be specified within such period as may be specified.

(2)The condition is that the Health Board considers that, for a reason relating to coronavirus, there is a material risk to the health of persons at the specified accommodation.

(3)The specified steps must relate directly to reducing the risk to the health of persons at the specified accommodation (for example, by requiring specified cleaning to take place).

(4)A Health Board must have regard to any guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers in relation to the exercise of its functions under this section.

(5)The Scottish Ministers must publish any guidance that they issue under this section in such manner as they consider appropriate.

(6)The power under subsection (1) to give a direction includes the power to vary or revoke an earlier direction under that subsection.

(7)A direction given under this section must be in writing.

(8)For the purposes of this section and section 63B—

63BPower to act where section 63A direction not complied with

(1)This section applies where a Health Board that gave a direction under section 63A is not satisfied that the person to whom the direction was given has complied with the direction.

(2)The Health Board may—

(a)take the specified steps (or such of those steps as have not been taken),

(b)take entry to the specified accommodation (if necessary to take the steps), and

(c)recover from the provider of the care home service the costs incurred by the authority in relation to taking the specified steps.

(3)A sheriff may grant a warrant under this section to authorise the Health Board—

(a)to enter the premises, and

(b)to take the specified steps.

(4)A sheriff may grant a warrant under this section only if satisfied that—

(a)there are reasonable grounds for entering the specified accommodation, and

(b)entry to the specified accommodation has been refused.

(5)A warrant expires—

(a)28 days after the day on which it was granted, or

(b)if earlier, when the specified steps have been taken.

(6)For the purposes of section 64 (cancellation of registration), failure to comply with a warrant granted under this section is a relevant offence.”.

Emergency intervention ordersS

17(1)The Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 applies in accordance with the modification in this paragraph.S

(2)The Act has effect as if after section 65 there were inserted—

“65ACare homes: emergency intervention orders

(1)The Scottish Ministers may apply to the court for an emergency intervention order in respect of a care home service provided at accommodation specified in the application.

(2)An emergency intervention order is an order which—

(a)authorises the Scottish Ministers to nominate a person to act as a nominated officer,

(b)authorises the nominated officer to—

(i)enter and occupy the accommodation specified in the order (“the accommodation”),

(ii)direct and control the provision of the care home service at the accommodation, and

(iii)do anything that the officer considers necessary to ensure that the care home service is provided to an appropriate standard, and

(c)requires the person who is (or, immediately prior to the granting of an order under section 65, was) registered under this Chapter as the provider of a care home service at the accommodation (“the affected provider”) to comply with any direction given by the officer in relation to the provision of care home services at the accommodation,

for such period of up to 12 months as may be specified in the order.

(3)On an application under subsection (1), the court may make such interim order as it thinks fit.

(4)An order under this section has no effect on the rights or obligations of persons receiving care home services at the accommodation.

(5)The Scottish Ministers may, where satisfied that it is essential do so for a reason relating to coronavirus, to prevent an imminent and serious risk to the life or health of persons at the accommodation, exercise the powers that would be available under an emergency intervention order prior to making an application to the court.

(6)But, where the Scottish Ministers exercise powers under subsection (5), they must make an application under subsection (1) within 24 hours of their exercise of the powers (and may exercise the powers until the application is considered by the court).

(7)The court must make an emergency intervention order if it appears to the court that, unless the order is made, for a reason relating to coronavirus there will be a serious risk to the life, health or wellbeing of persons at the accommodation.

(8)The court may include such incidental provision in an order under this section as the court thinks fit (for example, prohibiting the sale of the accommodation or the disposal of any assets used in the provision of care services at the accommodation).

(9)As soon as practicable after the Scottish Ministers have made an application under subsection (1), they must notify the appropriate authorities.

(10)Where the court makes an order under this section, the Scottish Ministers must as soon as reasonably practicable give a copy of it to—

(a)the affected provider, and

(b)the appropriate authorities.

(11)The court may grant an order under this section in the absence of the affected provider.

(12)An order under this section has effect from—

(a)the time at which it is made, or

(b)such other time as the court considers appropriate.

(13)The court may, on the application of the Scottish Ministers or the affected provider—

(a)vary an emergency intervention order,

(b)extend its duration for a further period of up to 6 months,

(c)revoke it (either immediately or on such date as the court may specify).

(14)The court may, on the application of the Scottish Ministers or the affected provider, vary or recall an interim order granted under subsection (3).

(15)An order made under this section has effect notwithstanding the making of an appeal in relation to the order.

(16)For the purpose of this section—

(a)the appropriate authorities are—

(i)SCSWIS,

(ii)the local authority and the health board within whose area the care home service is provided,

(iii)Healthcare Improvement Scotland,

(b)“coronavirus” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020,

(c)“court” means the Court of Session or the sheriff,

(d)“Health Board” means a Health Board constituted under section 2(1)(a) of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978,

(e)“nominated officer” means a person appointed by the Scottish Ministers whom they consider suitable to perform the functions conferred under an emergency intervention order.

65BFurther provision in relation to emergency intervention orders

(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision in connection with emergency intervention orders under section 65A.

(2)Regulations under this section—

(a)must be laid before the Scottish Parliament as soon as practicable after they are made, and

(b)cease to have effect at the end of the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which they are made unless, during that period, they are approved by resolution of the Scottish Parliament.

(3)In calculating the period of 28 days, no account is to be taken of any time during which the Scottish Parliament is dissolved or in recess for more than 4 days.

(4)If regulations cease to have effect as a result of subsection (2)(b), that does not—

(a)affect anything previously done under the regulations,

(b)prevent the making of new regulations.”.

PART 8 SPowers to purchase care home services and care at home providers

Power of local authority to purchase distressed care home or care at home service providerS

18(1)A local authority may acquire (by agreement)—S

(a)a relevant provider of care home services,

(b)a relevant provider of care at home services, or

(c)any asset or liability of a provider mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b),

in the circumstances described in paragraph 20.

(2)This paragraph is without prejudice to sections 69 and 70 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (subsidiary powers and acquisition of land by agreement).

Power of health body to purchase distressed care home service providerS

19(1)A health body may, on behalf of the Scottish Ministers, acquire (by agreement)—S

(a)a relevant provider of care home services, or

(b)any asset or liability of such a provider,

in the circumstances described in paragraph 20.

(2)A health body must comply with a direction given by the Scottish Ministers in relation to the functions conferred on it under this paragraph.

(3)The power under sub-paragraph (2) to give a direction includes the power to vary or revoke an earlier direction under that sub-paragraph.

(4)A direction given under this paragraph must—

(a)be in writing, and

(b)be published in such manner as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.

(5)This paragraph is without prejudice to section 79 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (purchase of land and moveable property).

Circumstances in which powers under this Part may be exercisedS

20(1)This paragraph describes the circumstances in which the powers conferred by paragraph 18 or 19 may be exercised in relation to a relevant provider of care home services or care at home services (“the provider”).S

(2)The circumstances are that, for a reason relating to coronavirus—

(a)the provider is in serious financial difficulty,

(b)the local authority or, as the case may be, the health body is satisfied that there is a threat to the life, health or wellbeing of the persons receiving the services, or

(c)the provider has recently ceased to provide the services.

(3)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(a), a provider is to be regarded as being in serious financial difficulty if it notifies SCSWIS of an insolvency event under regulation 6A, 6B or 6C of the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/210).

(4)As soon as practicable after receiving notification of such an insolvency event, SCSWIS is to inform—

(a)any local authority and Health Board in whose areas the services are being provided,

(b)the Common Services Agency, and

(c)Healthcare Improvement Scotland,

that such notification has been received.

(5)For the purposes of being satisfied as to the threat described in sub-paragraph (2)(b)—

(a)in a case where the proposed acquisition is by a local authority, it must consult—

(i)SCSWIS,

(ii)any other local authority in whose area the services are being provided,

(iii)any Health Board in whose area the services are being provided,

(iv)the Common Services Agency,

(v)Healthcare Improvement Scotland,

(vi)such other persons or bodies as it considers appropriate (if any),

(b)in a case where the proposed acquisition is by a health body, it must consult—

(i)SCSWIS,

(ii)any local authority in whose area the services are being provided,

(iii)any Health Board in whose area the services are being provided,

(iv)the Common Services Agency,

(v)Healthcare Improvement Scotland,

(vi)such other persons or bodies as it considers appropriate (if any).

InterpretationS

21SIn this Part—

PART 9 SCare homes: further provision

InspectionsS

[F1522(1)The Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 applies in accordance with the modification in this paragraph.S

(2)The Act has effect as if after section 53 there were inserted—

53A“Inspections of care homes

(1)SCSWIS must lay a report before the Parliament every two weeks setting out—

(a)which care home services it inspected during those two weeks, and

(b)the findings of those inspections.

(2)The first report is to be laid before the Parliament two weeks after paragraph 22 of schedule 1 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020 comes into force.”.]

Textual Amendments

F15Sch. 1 para. 22 suspended (30.9.2021 at the end of the day) by Coronavirus (Extension and Expiry) (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 19), ss. 3(1), 11(2)

Reporting on coronavirus deathsS

[F1623(1)The Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 applies in accordance with the modification in this paragraph.S

(2)The Act has effect as if after section 79 there were inserted—

79A“Reporting on coronavirus deaths in care homes

(1)Any person who provides a care home service must make a report to SCSWIS every day on—

(a)the number of deaths of residents in the care home from coronavirus since the relevant date,

(b)the number of deaths of residents in the care home, since the relevant date, that are suspected to be attributable to coronavirus,

(c)the total number of deaths in the care home, since the relevant date, irrespective of whether or not they are attributable to coronavirus.

(2)As soon as practicable after the end of each 7 day period during which SCSWIS has been receiving reports under subsection (1), using the information in those reports, SCSWIS must make a report to the Scottish Ministers on—

(a)the total number of deaths in care homes in Scotland from coronavirus since the relevant date,

(b)the total number of deaths of residents in care homes in Scotland, since the relevant date, that are suspected to be attributable to coronavirus,

(c)the total number of deaths in care homes in Scotland, since the relevant date, irrespective of whether or not they are attributable to coronavirus.

(3)The Scottish Ministers must lay each report from SCSWIS under subsection (2) before the Parliament as soon as practicable and in any event no later than 7 days after they have received it.

(4)In this section—

Textual Amendments

PART 10 SMarriage and civil partnership

F1724S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F17Sch. 1 para. 24 expires (30.9.2021 at the end of the day) by Coronavirus (Extension and Expiry) (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 19), ss. 2(8)(c), 11(2)

SCHEDULE 2SOperation of the justice system

(introduced by section 3)

PART 1 SCriminal justice

Criminal proceedings: extension of time limitsS

1(1)The Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 applies in accordance with the modifications in this paragraph.S

(2)Section 145 (adjournment for inquiry at first calling) has effect as if—

(a)in subsection (1), for “subsections (2) and (3)” there were substituted “ subsection (2) ”,

(b)subsection (3) were repealed.

(3)Section 145A (adjournment at first calling to allow accused to appear etc.) has effect as if—

(a)in subsection (1), for “subsections (2) and (3)” there were substituted “ subsection (2) ”,

(b)subsection (3) were repealed.

(4)Section 200 (remand for inquiry into physical or mental condition) has effect as if—

(a)in subsection (2), in the closing text, the words “, no single period exceeding three weeks,” were repealed,

(b)in subsection (3)(a), the words “not exceeding three weeks” were repealed.

(5)Section 245J (breach of certain orders: adjourning hearing and remanding in custody etc.) has effect as if for subsection (3) there were substituted—

“(3)The court may adjourn a hearing under subsection (1) for such period as it considers appropriate.”.

Arrangements for the custody of persons detained at police stationsS

2(1)The Scottish Ministers may make arrangements for functions within sub-paragraph (2) to be performed in such cases as may be determined by or under the arrangements by prisoner custody officers with escort functions.S

(2)Those functions are—

(a)functions of the transfer or custody of prisoners in police stations which are in connection with appearances by those prisoners before courts by electronic means,

(b)functions of an administrative character in connection with the appearance of prisoners in police stations before courts by electronic means.

(3)Arrangements made by the Scottish Ministers under this paragraph may include entering into contracts with other persons for the provision by them of prisoner custody officers.

(4)For the purposes of this paragraph—

(a)a prisoner custody officer with escort functions is a person in respect of whom a certificate under section 114 of the 1994 Act (prisoner custody officers: general functions) is for the time being in force which certifies that the person has been approved by the Scottish Ministers for the purpose of performing—

(i)escort functions, or

(ii)both escort functions and custodial duties,

(b)a reference to appearing before a court by electronic means is a reference to appearing before a court by electronic means by virtue of—

(i)Part 1 of schedule 4 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020, or

(ii)any other enactment allowing or requiring appearances before a court to be made by electronic means.

3(1)The provisions of the 1994 Act specified in sub-paragraph (2) apply in relation to arrangements made under paragraph 2 as they apply in relation to prisoner escort arrangements and, accordingly, references in those provisions to prisoner escort arrangements are to be read as including references to arrangements made under that paragraph.S

(2)Those provisions are—

(a)section 103 (monitoring of prisoner escort arrangements),

(b)section 104 (powers and duties of prisoner custody officers performing escort functions),

(c)section 105 (breaches of discipline by prisoners under escort),

(d)paragraph 3 of schedule 6 (suspension of certificates), and

(e)section 115 (wrongful disclosure of information).

(3)The references in paragraphs 3 and 4 of schedule 6 of the 1994 Act to escort functions are to be read as including functions within paragraph 2(2).

(4)The reference in paragraph (a)(i) of rule 5 (suspension of a certificate of a prisoner custody officer) of the Prison Rules to prisoner escort arrangements is to be read as including arrangements made under paragraph 2.

(5)The reference in paragraph (b) of rule 5 of the Prison Rules to the functions set out in section 102(2) of the 1994 Act is to be read as including functions within paragraph 2(2).

4SWhere functions are performed by a prisoner custody officer by virtue of paragraph 2 prior to the prisoner being brought before the court, the prisoner is not to be regarded as having been transferred out of police custody for the purposes of section 64(2)(cb) of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016.

5SIn paragraphs 2 to 4—

Expiry of undertaking under section 25(2)(a) of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016S

6(1)The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 applies in accordance with the modifications in this paragraph.S

(2)Section 29 (expiry of undertaking) has effect as if in subsection (1)(a), after “court” there were inserted “ (but see section 29A) ”.

(3)The Act has effect as if after section 29 there were inserted—

“29AExpiry of undertaking: coronavirus-related reason for non-appearance

(1)A court may modify the terms of an undertaking given under section 25(2)(a) by changing the time at which the person who gave it is to appear at the court if—

(a)the person has failed to appear at court as required by the terms of the undertaking,

(b)the court considers that the failure to appear is attributable to a reason relating to coronavirus, and

(c)the court does not consider it appropriate to grant a warrant for the person's arrest on account of the failure to appear.

(2)Where a court modifies the terms of an undertaking under subsection (1), the procurator fiscal must give notice of the modification to the person who gave the undertaking as soon as reasonably practicable.

(3)Notice under subsection (2) must be effected in a manner by which citation may be effected under section 141 of the 1995 Act.

(4)The reference in subsection (1) to the terms of an undertaking are to the terms of the undertaking subject to any modification by notice under section 27(1).

(5)A reference in any enactment to the modification of the terms of an undertaking under section 27(1) is to be treated as including modification under subsection (1).

(6)In subsection (1)(b), “coronavirus” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020.”.

Fixed penalty notices under the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020S

F187S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART 2 SProceeds of crime

Extension of permitted period for purpose of confiscation orderS

8(1)The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 applies in accordance with the modifications in this paragraph.S

(2)Section 99 (postponement) has effect as if—

(a)after subsection (4) there were inserted—

“(4A)For the purposes of subsection (4), “exceptional circumstances”, in relation to proceedings, includes the effect (whether direct or indirect) of coronavirus on the proceedings.”,

(b)after subsection (11) there were inserted—

“(12)In subsection (4A), “coronavirus” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020.”.

Time limits for payment of confiscation ordersS

9(1)The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 applies in accordance with the modifications in this paragraph.S

(2)Section 116 (time for payment) has effect as if—

(a)in subsection (1)—

(i)the existing words “the following provisions of this section” were paragraph (a),

(ii)after that paragraph there were inserted “, and

(b)section 116A.”,

(b)in subsection (5)(b), after “12 months” there were inserted “ unless subsection (5A) applies ”,

(c)after subsection (5) there were inserted—

“(5A)This subsection applies if the court making the order under subsection (4) is satisfied that the accused is, for a reason relating to coronavirus, unable to pay the amount ordered to be paid under the confiscation order within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which the confiscation order is made.

(5B)Where subsection (5A) applies, the extended period may continue until such day as the court considers appropriate in the circumstances.”,

(d)in subsection (6)(b) after “made”, in the second place where it occurs, there were inserted “ unless subsection (5A) applies (see subsection (6A)) ”,

(e)after subsection (6) there were inserted—

“(6A)Where subsection (5A) applies, subsection (6) applies as if the words from “but” to the end of the subsection were omitted.”,

(f)after subsection (7) there were inserted—

“(8)In this section and sections 116A and 117, “coronavirus” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020.”.

(3)The Act has effect as if after section 116 there were inserted—

“116AFurther time for payment due to coronavirus

(1)Where a court has made an order under section 116(4) extending the specified period relating to a confiscation order (“the extended period”), the accused may apply to the sheriff court for an order further extending the specified period.

(2)The accused may make an application under subsection (1)—

(a)before the expiry of the extended period, or

(b)after the expiry of the extended period if—

(i)the extended period expired during the period beginning with 1 March 2020 and ending on the day before the commencement day, or

(ii)the extended period expired on or after the commencement day and the accused was unable to make an application under subsection (1) before the expiry of the extended period for a reason relating to coronavirus.

(3)Where an application is made under subsection (1) after the expiry of the extended period, the application must be made—

(a)where the condition set out in subsection (2)(b)(i) is met, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the commencement day,

(b)where the conditions set out in subsection (2)(b)(ii) are met, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the expiry of the extended period.

(4)If, following receipt of an application under subsection (1), the court is satisfied that the accused is or (as the case may be) was unable to pay the amount ordered to be paid under the confiscation order before the expiry of the extended period for a reason relating to coronavirus, the court may make an order further extending the specified period relating to the confiscation order (“the further extended period”).

(5)The further extended period—

(a)must start with the day on which the confiscation order is made, and

(b)may continue until such day as the court considers appropriate in the circumstances.

(6)The court must not make an order under subsection (4) unless it gives the prosecutor an opportunity to make representations.

(7)Subsection (8) applies where an application is made under subsection (1) after the expiry of the extended period and the court makes an order under subsection (4) following receipt of the application.

(8)The order under subsection (4) is to be treated for the purposes of sections 116 and 117 as if it were made by the court immediately before the expiry of the extended period.

(9)In this section—

(4)Section 117 (interest on unpaid sums) has effect as if—

(a)in subsection (1), after “section 116” there were inserted “ (or within such a period as extended under section 116A) ”,

(b)in subsection (3)(c), after “ended” there were inserted “ (but see subsection (3A)) ”,

(c)after subsection (3) there were inserted—

“(3A)Subsection (3)(c) does not apply to an application made under subsection (4) of section 116 where the accused invites the court to make a finding as mentioned in subsection (5A) of that section in the context of making an order under subsection (4) of that section.

(3B)For the purposes of this section, no amount is required to be paid under a confiscation order if—

(a)an application has been made under section 116A(1) in relation to the confiscation order before the expiry of the period specified under section 116(4) in respect of the order, and

(b)the application has not been determined by the court.”.

PART 3 SIntimation, etc. of documents

Replacement of requirement for intimation on walls of court, etc.S

10(1)The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 is amended by this paragraph.S

(2)In schedule 4 (justice)—

(a)after paragraph 1 insert—

“1AIntimation, etc. on Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service website

(1)Any requirement (however expressed) that a document—

(a)be put on the walls, doors or any other part of a court building (whether internal or external), or

(b)be made publicly available in any other way within a court building,

is to be fulfilled instead by the document's being made publicly available through the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service website.

(2)But sub-paragraph (1) does not apply to a document if it is of a type that—

(a)the Lord President of the Court of Session, or

(b)the Lord Justice General,

has directed that sub-paragraph (1) does not apply to.

(3)Where a document is to be made publicly available through the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service website by virtue of this paragraph, it is to so be made available in accordance with—

(a)any direction issued by—

(i)the Lord President of the Court of Session, or

(ii)the Lord Justice General, and

(b)(subject to any necessary modifications) any enactment about—

(i)how a step mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of sub-paragraph (1) is to be taken in relation to the document, or

(ii)the length of time for which the document is to be made publicly available in a way described by those paragraphs.

(4)A direction under sub-paragraph (3)(a) may, in particular, provide that a document is to be made available only in a redacted form.

(5)If an enactment provides for an alternative to taking a step mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of sub-paragraph (1) as a means of achieving an outcome (for example, advertising an application in a newspaper as a means of intimating it), nothing in this paragraph precludes the taking of that alternative step to achieve the outcome.

(6)In this paragraph, “the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service website” means the website maintained by, or on behalf of, the Service with the internet domain name scotcourts.gov.uk.”,

(b)in paragraph 5, after paragraph (a) insert—

“(aa)a direction under paragraph 1A(2) or (3)(a),”.

SCHEDULE 3SReports, accounts and other documents

(introduced by section 4)

PART 1 SReports, etc. under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009

F191S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART 2 SAccounts of registered social landlords

Extension of deadline for accountsS

F202S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART 3 SAccounts under the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000

F213S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART 4 SHousing (Scotland) Act 1987: statement under section 33B

Referral of application for accommodation to another local authority: extension of deadline for Ministerial statementS

F224S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

SCHEDULE 4SOther measures in response to coronavirus

(introduced by section 5)

PART 1 SUEFA European Championship

F231S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART 2 SListed buildings and conservation areas: consents

Extension of period of consentS

2(1)The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997—S

(a)is amended by sub-paragraph (2), and

(b)applies in accordance with the modification in sub-paragraph (3).

(2)In section 16 (limit of duration of listed building consent), after subsection (4) insert—

“(5)During the emergency period, a listed building consent that would lapse under subsection (1)(a) or (b) lapses instead at the end of the extended period, unless the works permitted by the consent are begun before the end of that period.

(6)In subsection (5)—

(3)Section 16 has effect as if after subsection (6) (as inserted by this paragraph) there were inserted—

“(7)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations amend the definition of “emergency period” or “extended period” in subsection (6).”.

PART 3 SRegisters kept by the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland

Register of InhibitionsS

3(1)This paragraph applies in relation to a document which is required or permitted to be registered or recorded in the Register of Inhibitions (“the register”), other than a document of a type mentioned in paragraph 1(4) of schedule 4 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020.S

(2)An electronic signature fulfils any requirement (however expressed) that the document be signed in order to be registered or recorded in the register.

(3)Any requirement (however expressed) that the document be given to the Keeper in order to be registered or recorded in the register may be fulfilled by transmitting it to the Keeper electronically.

(4)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3), the document must be transmitted by a means (and in a form) which is specified on the Keeper's website as being acceptable for those purposes.

(5)In this paragraph—

Register of judgmentsS

4(1)The Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994) 1994 (S.I. 1994/1443) applies in accordance with the modification in this paragraph.S

(2)Chapter 62 of schedule 2 (recognition, registration and enforcement of foreign judgments, etc.) has effect as if after rule 62.101 there were inserted—

“PART XV SElectronic signing and transmission of certain documents
Electronic signing and transmission of certain documentsS

62.102(1)This rule applies in relation to a document which is to be given to, or issued by, the Keeper of the Registers under this Chapter, other than a document of a type mentioned in paragraph 1(4) of schedule 4 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020.

(2)An electronic signature fulfils any requirement (however expressed) that the document be signed.

(3)The document may be—

(a)given to the Keeper by transmitting it to the Keeper electronically,

(b)issued to a person by the Keeper by—

(i)transmitting it to the person electronically, or

(ii)transmitting it (electronically or otherwise) to a solicitor engaged to act on the person's behalf in relation to the document.

(4)For the purposes of paragraph (3)(a), the document may be transmitted by a means (and in a form) which is specified on the Keeper's website as being acceptable for those purposes.

(5)For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b)—

(a)electronic transmission of a document by the Keeper to another person (“the recipient”) must be effected in a way that the recipient has indicated to the Keeper that the recipient is willing to receive the document,

(b)the recipient's indication of willingness to receive a document in a particular way may be—

(i)specific to the document in question or generally applicable to documents of that kind,

(ii)expressed specifically to the Keeper or generally (for example on a website),

(iii)inferred from the recipient having previously been willing to receive documents from the Keeper in that way and not having indicated unwillingness to do so again,

(c)the Keeper's uploading of a document to an electronic storage system from which the recipient is able to download the document may constitute electronic transmission of the document from the Keeper to the recipient.

(6)In this rule—

PART 4 SCare services: giving of notices by the Care Inspectorate

5(1)The Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 applies in accordance with the modification in this paragraph.S

(2)The Act has effect as if for section 101 (giving of notice) there were substituted—

“101Giving of notice

(1)In Chapters 3 and 4, any reference to a notice being given to a person providing, or seeking to provide, a care service is to be construed as a reference to its being—

(a)delivered, where the person is—

(i)an individual, to that individual,

(ii)a body corporate, to a director, secretary or other similar officer of that body or to a manager (or other similar officer) of the care service provided by that body, or

(iii)a firm, to a partner of that firm,

(b)sent by post, properly addressed to the person, in a registered letter or by the recorded delivery service, or

(c)transmitted to the person electronically.

(2)In subsection (1)(a)(ii), “manager”, in relation to a care service provided by a body corporate, means the manager whose name is entered in the register maintained under regulation 5 of the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Registration) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/28) in relation to the care service.

(3)For the purpose of subsection (1)(b)—

(a)a letter is properly addressed to—

(i)a body corporate, if addressed to the body at its registered or principal office,

(ii)a firm, if addressed to the firm at its principal office,

(iii)any other person, if addressed to the person at the address last known,

(b)a notice sent by post is to be taken to have been received on the third day after the day of posting unless the contrary is shown.

(4)For the purpose of subsection (1)(c)—

(a)electronic transmission of a notice must be effected in a way that the person has indicated to SCSWIS that the person is willing to receive the notice,

(b)the person's willingness to receive a notice in a particular way may be—

(i)specific to the notice in question or generally applicable to notices or other documents of that kind,

(ii)expressed specifically to SCSWIS or generally (for example on a website),

(iii)inferred from the person having previously been willing to receive notices or other documents from SCSWIS in that way and not having indicated an unwillingness to do so again,

(c)SCSWIS' uploading of a notice to an electronic storage system from which the person is able to download the notice may constitute electronic transmission of the notice from SCSWIS to the person,

(d)a notice transmitted electronically is to be taken to have been received on the day of transmission unless the contrary is shown.”.

PART 5 SLand and buildings transaction tax: additional amount

F246S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART 6 SNon-domestic rates relief

Special power in respect of financial year 2020-21S

F257S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Relief to be provided to the newspaper publishing industryS

F268S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART 7 SExecution of documents, etc.

9(1)The following requirements (however expressed) do not apply—S

(a)a requirement for a relevant person to be physically in the same place as another person when that person—

(i)signs or subscribes a document,

(ii)takes an oath, or

(iii)makes an affirmation or declaration,

(b)a requirement for another person to be physically in the same place as a relevant person when the relevant person signs or subscribes a document.

(2)In this paragraph—

(3)For the avoidance of doubt—

(a)the requirements described by sub-paragraph (1)(a) include a requirement that may be fulfilled by the physical presence of a professional of a type not mentioned in the definition of “relevant person” as well as by a professional of a type that is (for example, it includes a requirement for the physical presence of a solicitor or a registered medical practitioner), but

(b)sub-paragraph (1) only causes such a requirement not to apply in relation to a professional of a type that is mentioned in the definition of “relevant person”.

PART 8 SFreedom of information

Modification of Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020S

F2710S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F2811S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Reporting on Scottish Ministers' responses to requests for informationS

12(1)The Scottish Ministers must lay reports before the Scottish Parliament in accordance with this paragraph on their responses to requests for information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 during the period that Part 2 of schedule 6 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 is in force.S

(2)A report under sub-paragraph (1) must contain information on—

(a)backlogs in responding to requests,

(b)how many requests have been responded to,

(c)what was provided in response to requests,

(d)cases which were partially refused,

(e)the number of requests subject to an internal review,

(f)backlogs in the internal review process,

(g)appeals made to the Scottish Information Commissioner in respect of requests.

(3)A report under sub-paragraph (1) should be laid before the Parliament at the end of each reporting period.

(4)A “reporting period” under sub-paragraph (3) is each successive period of 2 months that ends during the period before Part 1 expires by virtue of section 9(1).

(5)The Scottish Ministers must lay a report under this paragraph before the Parliament no later than 14 days after the expiry of a reporting period.

PART 9 SLow emission zones

F2913S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART 10 SCouncil tax: exempt dwellings

F3014S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART 11 STraffic Regulation

F3115S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART 12 SRestriction on giving grant to businesses connected to tax havens

16(1)Before providing a coronavirus-related grant to a person, the Scottish Ministers must take steps to satisfy themselves about whether or not sub-paragraph (4) applies to the person.S

(2)If, having taken those steps, the Scottish Ministers are satisfied that sub-paragraph (4) applies to the person, they are not to provide the grant.

(3)The Scottish Ministers must frame the terms of coronavirus-related grants so that they are entitled to repayment of a grant if they ascertain, after providing it (wholly or partly), that the person to whom the grant was provided—

(a)was a person that sub-paragraph (4) applied to at the time the Ministers decided to provide the grant, or

(b)knowingly provided false or misleading information in applying for the grant.

(4)This sub-paragraph applies to a person that—

(a)is based in a tax haven,

(b)is the subsidiary of a person based in a tax haven,

(c)has a subsidiary based in a tax haven,

(d)is party to an arrangement under which any of its profits are subject to the tax regime of a tax haven.

(5)For the purposes of this paragraph, a person is based in a tax haven if the person is incorporated or otherwise established under the law of a tax haven.

(6)Sub-paragraphs (1) to (3) do not apply in relation to a grant if the application for it was received by the Scottish Ministers before the date on which this paragraph comes into force.

(7)In this paragraph—