SEPA calls for input on major changes to Scotland’s environmental regulation framework

Date published: 27 January 2025

Better Regulation

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are seeking views from regulated businesses, organisations and individuals on the proposed changes to how environmental activities are regulated in Scotland.

By attending one of SEPA’s upcoming online events people can learn more about the proposed changes in the recently launched Public Participation and Fit and Proper Person Test consultation. This consultation will help shape a transparent and effective system that safeguards the environment while benefitting communities and businesses.

The consultation for updating the Public Participation Statement (PPS) explains how and when prospective applicants will be required to consult with public and other interested bodies before submitting an application, ensuring early public involvement.

The consultation is also seeking feedback on updates to the guidance on “Who Can Hold an Authorisation: ‘In Control’ and ‘Fit and Proper Person’ Tests”. The proposed updates will strengthen safeguards considering both environmental and non-environmental criminal convictions when assessing whether someone is suitable to hold a permit.

Join the conversation and have your say

Full details of the consultation, including how to share your feedback, are available on the SEPA’s consultation hub, with the consultation remaining open until 30th March 2025.

SEPA are hosting a series of online stakeholder sessions to provide an opportunity for regulated businesses, individuals, and communities to learn more about the proposed changes.

Details of the online sessions are as follows:

Tuesday 4th February 2025 at 2 - 3pm
Thursday 20th February 2025 at 09.30 - 10.30am

You can register for an event by email

Scott Crawford, Senior Manager - Permitting, SEPA, said: “By modernising how we regulate, we can ensure a simpler, more integrated system that benefits everyone. Our proposals are designed to help businesses and individuals to have their say and better understand their responsibilities and will ensure that only those who take their environmental obligations seriously hold an authorisation. Public participation and transparency are central to this effort, and we encourage everyone to have their say.”

In 2018, the Scottish Government introduced the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EASR) with the aim of providing a standardised, simplified, common framework for environmental authorisations in Scotland, known as the Integrated Authorisation Framework (IAF).

In March 2024, the Scottish Government closed its consultation on proposed amendments to EASR. These proposals extend the Integrated Authorisation Framework to include the regulation of water, waste management, and industrial activities (currently called pollution prevention control or PPC), which are currently each regulated under different legislation. The proposals also included amendments to common procedures in EASR.

SEPA’s updates are designed to complement these changes by improving its own guidance for determining suitability to hold authorisations and involving the public in environmental regulatory decision making.

Modernising regulation for a sustainable future

SEPA’s broader regulatory reforms aim to focus resources where they can make the most impact, ensuring a fair and proportionate approach to environmental regulation. By seeking the views of those SEPA regulate, we can deliver a system that is robust, effective, and transparent while supporting businesses and communities in meeting their environmental responsibilities.

Notes to Editor

Read SEPA's consultation on the Proposed Changes to the Environmental Regulation (Scotland) Guidance on Public Participation and Fit and Proper Person Test