(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order brings into force on 1st January 2002 section 33 of the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000. The whole of that Act (other than section 37) falls to be brought into force by Commencement Order. This is the second such Order.
The main provisions commenced are–
(a) those provisions that revise the special reports and hearings procedure by which the Accounts Commission for Scotland and the Controller of Audit investigate and respond to alleged failure, negligence or misconduct by individuals or local authorities in the management of public funds; and
(b) those provisions that repeal the existing surcharge provisions and introduce a range of new sanctions available to the Accounts Commission.