Consultation Digest: Proposed technical amendment to the Environmental Regulations (Scotland) Charging Scheme 2018
Summary
Agency board report number: SEPA 24-25/047
This paper presents SEPA’s proposed response to our consultation on the technical amendment to the Environmental Regulations (Scotland) Charging Scheme 2018 (the ERS Charging Scheme). Our response is documented in the draft Consultation Digest as referred to in section 2 below. Our intention is to publish the Consultation Digest if approved by the Board.
The Board is asked to approve the draft Consultation Digest for publication on our website.
Lin Bunten, Chief Officer Regulation, Business and Environment
Angela Milloy, Chief Officer Finance, Modernisation and Digital
Allison Simpson, Income Analyst
17 February 2025
1. Introduction
1.1 On 6 November 2024, we issued a consultation on a technical amendment to The Environmental Regulation (Scotland) Charging Scheme 2018 (as amended). The consultation closed on 18 December 2024.
1.2 The purpose of the 5-page consultation was to enable SEPA to adjust annual charges pro rata, if the charging scheme is amended part way through a charging period (1 April – 31 March). And secondly, to make it a condition of an authorisation that charges are paid in accordance with the ERS Charging Scheme. This amendment enables SEPA to act quicker without the need for a consultation exercise mid-year each time legislation changes.
2. Overview
a) Responses
2.1 The consultation included engaging with customers; publishing on social media and publishing on our regulation hub for a period of 12 weeks. We received two consultation responses, one from a member of the public who agreed with the proposal and the other did not express a view.
b) Proposed changes
2.2 The Charging Scheme will be updated to reflect the technical amendments consulted upon.
3. Recommendations
3.1 The Board is asked to approve the draft Consultation Digest for publication on our website.