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THE SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
INQUIRY REPORTERS UNIT
REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2002-2003
Foreword
I have pleasure in presenting the Seventh annual report of the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit, covering the business year 2002-2003.
The Unit began this business year with more exacting targets than ever before. I am pleased that the targets for written submissions cases, other than for advertisements, were exceeded.
We are now turning our focus to the public local inquiry system. The consultation paper on Modernising Public Local Inquiries was published at the end of June. Our aim is to improve the system so that decisions are taken more quickly, while also allowing those interested in a development proposal to make their views known and have these views taken into account without being intimidated by the inquiry process. I see each of these as critical to the achievement of our objectives for both social justice and the wider involvement of communities in the planning system as well as allowing these important cases to be processed more quickly.
The Consultation invites comments on the specific proposals set out in the paper, and general comments about the operation of the public local inquiry process. It is intended to complete the review, and to issue a digest of consultation responses during 2004 before considering how improvements should be brought into effect. Some improvements can be introduced quickly. Others will require to be considered in the context of the conclusions we reach on a wider right of appeal in planning.
The expiry of the Unit's lease on its present Edinburgh premises in March 2004 has required us to consider relocation options within the context set by the Scottish Executive's office dispersal policy. I announced in July that the Unit would be moving to Falkirk. We have been determined to ensure that government in Scotland is efficient and decentralised as part of a wider vision of more accessible, open and responsive public administration. Besides maintaining and developing the planning appeals service, the Unit will thus be seeking a smooth transition to its new premises during the following months. Some existing members of the office staff will transfer to other jobs with the Executive in Edinburgh. My thanks go to them for their service to the Unit in the past. We look forward to welcoming new faces over the coming months.
Margaret Curran MSP
Minister for Communities
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