In 1992 the leaders of over 160 nations met in Rio de Janeiro to agree a long term global strategy to protect the world's environment. However, helping the Earth begins closer to home: there are many things which we as individuals can do to play our part.
One of the key messages to emerge from Rio was the importance of partnership, co-ordinated effort and action by all sectors of the community - central government, industry, local government and individuals - on action to protect and enhance the environment in which we live. The Scottish Office has consulted closely with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities to produce this model local environment charter for Scotland which describes many of the environmental services provided by local authorities. It also outlines what you can do if you think there are problems and, perhaps equally important, what you can do to help.
We see this model charter as an important step towards improving your local environment. Many Scottish councils have already published their own charters for the environment. Others may find it useful to adapt this charter to suit their own local needs and priorities. It may also help active authorities to review and update their existing charters. All good charters should provide details of local services, specify the standards which customers can expect and include, wherever possible, target times for responding to enquiries. This model gives some examples of good practice as an indication of the standards which can be achieved, but should be seen within the context of the widely varying circumstances in cities, towns and rural areas which, in turn, could lead to differing levels and types of services provided.
We commend this model charter to all Scottish local authorities and to the public whom they serve. We hope that it will encourage those authorities who have not yet done so to produce their own local environment charters.
|
Signature |
Signature
|
|
Sir Hector Monro AE JP DL MP |
Councillor Charles Gray JP |
September 1993