Reporting on progress towards targets
62.Section 28 requires the advisory body to prepare an annual report setting out its views on the Scottish Ministers’ progress towards meeting the annual targets, the interim target, and the 2050 target. It must also provide views on whether these targets are likely to be achieved and views on any further action considered necessary to achieve these targets. This duty will be activated by the Scottish Ministers at an appropriate time after an advisory body has been designated.
63.Subsection (3) requires that the advisory body’s report in a relevant year must express a view on matters specified in subsection (6) which are whether the annual target and domestic effort target for the target year was met, the ways in which those targets were or were not met, and a view on the action taken by the Scottish Ministers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during that year. Subsection (4) provides that the “relevant year” will be such year as the Scottish Ministers may, by order, designate subject to certain conditions set out in subsection (5).
64.Subsection (7) specifies deadlines for laying the reports before the Scottish Parliament.