Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 Explanatory Notes

Part 3 – Information on the Exercise of Public Functions

Section 31 - Public functions: duties to provide information on certain matters

50.This section imposes a duty on each person, body or office-holder listed in schedule 8 to publish a statement, as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, of any expenditure it has incurred during that financial year on or in connection with public relations; overseas travel; hospitality and entertainment; and external consultancy. Each person, body or office-holder must also publish a statement specifying certain details of any payment made with a value in excess of £25,000 (other than service-related payments to members/staff) and the total number of members/staff who received remuneration in excess of £150,000 during the financial year. Public bodies must have regard to guidance issued by Scottish Ministers about these duties; and any such guidance must be laid before Parliament.

Sections 32 - Public functions: duty to provide information on exercise of functions

51.This section requires each person, body or office-holder listed in schedule 8 to publish a statement as soon as practicable after the end of the financial year setting out the steps it has taken to promote and increase sustainable growth and to improve efficiency, effectiveness and economy during that financial year. Public bodies must have regard to guidance issued by Scottish Ministers about these duties; and any such guidance must be laid before Parliament.

Section 33 - Public functions: duty to provide information on special advisers

52.This section requires Scottish Ministers to publish a statement as soon as practicable after the end of the financial year setting out the total amount of remuneration paid to special advisers during that financial year.

Section 34 - Public functions: duties to provide information: further provision

53.This section enables the Scottish Ministers, by affirmative order, to vary the periods and frequency of the duties to provide information and to add to, remove or amend certain matters to which they apply. Different provision may be made for different persons, bodies or office-holders listed in schedule 8.

Section 35 - Public functions: duties to provide information: further provision

54.This section enables the Scottish Ministers, by order, to vary the year-end date.

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