Part 1Crofting reform

Chapter 1Crofts and crofters

Duties

3Removal of timescales for deciding applications

(1)

The 1993 Act is modified by subsections (2) and (3).

(2)

In section 5C (crofters: duty to cultivate and maintain), for subsection (7), substitute—

“(7)

The Commission may—

(a)

grant consent, either—

(i)

subject to such conditions as they consider it appropriate to impose, or

(ii)

without conditions, or

(b)

refuse consent.”.

(3)

In section 21B (Commission consent for absence from croft)—

(a)

for subsection (4), substitute—

“(4)

The Commission may—

(a)

grant consent, either—

(i)

subject to such conditions as they consider it appropriate to impose which may, in particular, relate to the duration of absence, or

(ii)

without conditions, or

(b)

refuse consent.”,

(b)

subsection (5) is repealed.

(4)

The Crofting Commission must, within 2 years of Royal Assent, publish a policy setting out standard working practices relating to the performance of its functions and duties, including reasonable timescales for the making of decisions on applications received under sections 5C and 21B of the 1993 Act.