Royal arms

Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020

2020 asp 7

The Bill for this Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed by the Parliament on 1st April 2020 and received Royal Assent on 6th April 2020

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

PART 1Main provisions

Key expression

1Meaning of “coronavirus”

~~F1In this Act, “coronavirus” means severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).~~

Eviction from dwelling-houses

F22Eviction from dwelling-houses

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Protection for debtors

F33Temporary extension of moratoriums on diligence

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F4...

F44Children and vulnerable adults

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Justice

F55Justice

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alcohol licensing

F66Alcohol licensing

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Public bodies

F77Functioning of public bodies

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other measures in response to coronavirus

F88Other measures in response to coronavirus

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART 2Supporting provisions

9Advancement of equality and non-discrimination

In exercising a function conferred by virtue of Part 1 (including a function of making subordinate legislation), the Scottish Ministers must have regard to opportunities to advance equality and non-discrimination.

10Subordinate legislation making powers

Any 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.

11Power to suspend and revive provisions

(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Act 2010 apply to the suspension of a provision by regulations under subsection (1)(a) as if the provision had been repealed by an Act.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—

(a)

may make different provision for different purposes or areas,

(b)

may make transitional, transitory or saving provision.

(5)

Regulations under this section are subject to the negative procedure.

12Expiry

(1)

Part 1 expires F9at the end of F1030 September 2022.

(2)

Subsection (1) is subject to section 13.

F11(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)

F12At 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, the Scottish Ministers must lay before the Parliament a statement of their reasons why the regulations should be made.

F13(7)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F13(8)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9)

The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make transitional, transitory or saving provision in connection with the expiry under subsection (1) of any provision of this Act.

(10)

Regulations under subsection (9)—

(a)

may make different provision for different purposes or areas,

(b)

are subject to the negative procedure.

13Power to bring forward expiry

(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 12 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—

(a)

may make different provision for different purposes or areas,

(b)

may make transitional, transitory or saving provision.

(3)

Regulations under this section are subject to the negative procedure.

14Power to amend Act in consequence of amendments to subordinate legislation

(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.

15Reports by the Scottish Ministers on status of provisions

(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, which and how)—

(i)

section 11 (regulations suspending or reviving provision),

(ii)

section 13 (regulations altering expiry date of provision),

(iii)

section 17(2) (regulations bringing provision into force).

(4)

Each of the following is a “reporting period”—

(a)

the period beginning with the day after Royal Assent and ending on 31 May 2020,

(b)

each successive period of 2 months that ends during the period before Part 1 of this Act expires by virtue of section 12(1).

(5)

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

F1415AReviews: 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).

16Ancillary provision

(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)

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

(a)

the exercise of a power under section 11,

(b)

the expiry of a provision of this Act under section 12,

(c)

the exercise of a power under section 13.

(3)

Regulations under subsection (2) may make transitional, transitory or saving provision.

(4)

Regulations under this section—

(a)

may modify the effect of any enactment (including this Act),

(b)

are subject to the negative procedure.

17Commencement

(1)

This Act comes into force on the day after Royal Assent, subject to subsection (2).

(2)

Paragraph 11(1) of schedule 3 (and section 4 so far as it relates to that paragraph) comes into force on such day as the Scottish Ministers may by regulations appoint.

(3)

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.

18Short title

The short title of this Act is the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020.

SCHEDULE 1Eviction from dwelling-houses

(introduced by section 2)

Private residential tenancies: eviction grounds to be discretionary

F151

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Private residential tenancies: extension of notice periods

F162

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Assured tenancies: eviction grounds to be discretionary

F173

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Assured tenancies: extension of notice periods

F184

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tenancies under the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984: eviction grounds to be discretionary

F195

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tenancies under the Rent (Scotland) Act 1984: extension of notice periods

F206

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Scottish secure tenancies: extension of notice periods

F207

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Power to modify notice periods

F208

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consequential modifications in relation to prescribed forms

F209

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Errors in notices

F2010

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCHEDULE 2Temporary extension of moratoriums on diligence

(introduced by section 3)

1

The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 applies in accordance with the modifications in this schedule.

F212

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F223

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F234

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCHEDULE 3Children and vulnerable adults

(introduced by section 4)

F24...

F24

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCHEDULE 4Justice

(introduced by section 5)

F25PART 1Courts and tribunals: conduct of business by electronic means

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F26PART 2Fiscal fines

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F27PART 3Cases beginning with an appearance from custody

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F28PART 4Extension of time limits

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART 5Evidence

Exceptions to the rule that hearsay evidence is inadmissible

F2911

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART 6Community orders

Community payback orders: extension of unpaid work or other activity requirements

F3012

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Community payback orders: time limit for completion of unpaid work or other activity

F3113

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Community orders: postponement

F3214

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Community orders: variation

F3315

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Community orders: interpretation

F3416

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART 7Parole Board

Chairing of the Parole Board

F3517

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Modifications of the Parole Board Rules

18 F36(1)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F37(2)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F38(3)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F39(4)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F40(5)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F41PART 8Release of prisoners

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F42PART 9Legal aid

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCHEDULE 5Alcohol licensing

(introduced by section 6)

Requirement to hold a hearing

F431

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Premises licences

F442

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Personal licence holders

F453

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Licensing Boards etc.

F464

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Modifications of duties of Licensing Standards Officers

F475

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notifications by the chief constable

F486

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interpretation

F497

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Modifications of the Licensing (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2007

F508

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCHEDULE 6Functioning of public bodies

(introduced by section 7)

PART 1Licensing other than alcohol licensing

Modifications of Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 etc.

F511

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART 2Freedom of information

Interpretation

F522

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Time periods for responding to requests

F533

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F544

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Extension of periods in which certain authorities may respond

F555

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Commissioner's ability to take account of impact of coronavirus

F566

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Giving notice electronically

F577

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART 3Duties in respect of reports and other documents

Power to postpone publication and laying of reports

F588

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Power to publish or make available documents for inspection electronically

F599

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Resumption of duties in relation to reports and documents

F6010

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART 4Local authority meetings

Introductory

F6111

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interpretation

F6212

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grounds for exclusion of the public from meetings of local authorities

F6313

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Photographic copies of documents in respect of meetings of local authorities

F6414

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART 5Duties under the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000

F6515

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCHEDULE 7Other measures in response to coronavirus

(introduced by section 8)

Irritancy clauses in commercial leases: non-payment of rent or other sums due

F716

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F727

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Duration of planning permission

F738

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F749

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F7510

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Electronic delivery of copy of deed to Registers of Scotland

F7611

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F7712

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F7813

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F7914

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Land registration: period of effect of advance notice

F8015

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8016

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8017

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8018

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8119

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Anatomy Act 1984: extension of periods

F8220

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8221

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8222

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Scrutiny of subordinate legislation in urgent cases

F8323

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8324

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8325

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8326

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8327

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8328

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8329

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8330

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Business improvement districts: extension of certain arrangements

F8431

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Muirburn

F8532

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F8633

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .