SB 07-68 A Healthy CAP? The Health Check of the Common Agricultural Policy (142KB pdf)

Major changes to the EU Common Agricultural Policy were made in 2003. The agreement on the reform provided for a review in 2008, which has become known as the CAP ‘Health Check’. The European Commission published its proposals for the CAP Health Check on the 20 November 2007.

SB 07-67 The Allocation of Social Rented Housing (115KB pdf)

This briefing provides information on how houses in the social rented sector are allocated. It covers the legislative framework, housing allocation policies in practice, choice based lettings and common housing registers.

SB 07-66 Scottish Ministers' Power to Call-in Planning Applications (67.3KB pdf)

Scottish Ministers’ recent decision to call-in an application for the development of a golf resort and housing near Balmedie for their decision has focussed attention on the call-in process.  This short briefing aims to answer some of the key questions raised about the operation of the call-in process.

SB 07-65 Public Health etc. (Scotland) Bill (257KB pdf)

On 25 October 2007, the Scottish Government introduced the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament. The Bill aims to modernise the legislative framework governing the practice of health protection as, at present, much of the statute dates back to the late 19th century.

SB 07-64 Spending Review 2007: Health (160KB pdf)

This briefing will consider the Health element of the Health and Wellbeing portfolio in the Scottish Government’s ‘Budget Spending Review 2007’. As well as detailing the Health budget and proposed spend between 2008-09 and 2010-11, the briefing will also describe the main health priorities for the Scottish Government, the particular programmes outlined in the budget document and the health targets it has set to monitor its outcome objectives.

SB 07-63 UK Climate Change Bill - Legislative Consent Memorandum (136KB pdf)

The UK Climate Change Bill was introduced to the House of Lords on 14 November 2007. The Bill contains provisions which fall within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament and which therefore require the Scottish Parliament to consent to their being considered by the UK Parliament. The Scottish Government has lodged a Legislative Consent Memorandum (LCM) for scrutiny by the Parliament. This briefing outlines the background to the Bill, and considers which aspects have implications for Scotland. This Briefing is not intended to reproduce the information available in the Legislative Consent Memorandum.

SB 07-62 Education and Lifelong Learning Spending Review 2007 (173KB pdf)

This briefing gives an overview of the budget for Education and Lifelong Learning as published within the Scottish Budget Spending Review on 14 November 2007. It shows how the structure of the budget differs from that issued previously, and highlights the main changes from last year. It outlines the COSLA and Scottish Government concordat as it applies to education, and sets out the main changes in the budget in this area over the spending review period

SB 07-61 Key Economic Indicators (154KB pdf)

This quarterly briefing provides a selection of indicators on different aspects of the Scottish economy.

SB 07-60 Spending Review 2007: Local Government and Communities (222KB pdf)

This paper provides an overview of the Scottish Government’s Draft Budget for 2008-09 following the Spending Review and considers the budget settlement as it impacts upon the remit of the Local Government and Communities Committee.

SB 07-59 Waste Management in Scotland. Towards Zero Waste? (222KB pdf)

This briefing provides an introduction to waste management policy in Europe and Scotland.  It then considers some of the policy options available to the Scottish Government and local authorities within the context of moving towards a zero waste society.

SB 07-58 Spending Review 2007 (287KB pdf)

This briefing summarises broad trends in the Scottish Government Budget Spending Review 2007.

SB 07-57 Glasgow Commonwealth Games Bill (144KB pdf)

This paper considers the proposals contained in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Bill (SP Bill 04) within the context of the consultation responses received on the draft consultation version of the Bill and on the proposals for financing the Games. This paper does not offer a comprehensive overview of the Bill but rather highlights the main issues contained within it and those which were raised during the consultation process.

SB 07-56 Ferry Services in Scotland (750KB pdf)

Ferries provide a physical link between remote mainland and island communities and major population centres. Scotland’s ferries play a particularly important role in the social and economic life of the Western and Northern Isles and the island and peninsula communities on the River Clyde. This briefing looks at who provides these services and how they are funded.  It examines how EU legislation has affected the provision of ferry services and provides up to date statistics on ferry usage.

SB 07-55 Supporting People (Updated) (125KB pdf)

“Supporting People” is the policy and funding framework for housing related support services. Introduced in 2003, it aims to assists vulnerable people over the age of 16 to move into, or remain in, their own homes. This briefing outlines the key features of the programme and considers the impact it has made. This briefing updates SPICe Briefing SB 04-28 Supporting People.

SB 07-54 Graduate Endowment Abolition (Scotland) Bill (171KB pdf)

This briefing explains the provisions within the Graduate Endowment Abolition (Scotland) Bill and examines the policy and financial implications of abolishing the Graduate Endowment (GE) fee. It considers the Scottish Government’s consultation process, and summarises the consultation responses. It also provides detailed figures on the numbers of graduates affected by the GE fee and the income derived from it since its introduction in the academic year 2001-02.

SB 07-53 School Discipline (226KB pdf)

This briefing updates SPICe briefing 03/59 and outlines the main policy developments in dealing with disruptive behaviour in schools. It outlines the implementation of Better Behaviour Better Learning, considers statistics on school exclusions and highlights recommended approaches for improving school behaviour.

SB 07-52 Sea Fishing: Quotas for 2008 (117KB pdf)

This briefing has been prepared for members of the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee. It highlights some of the important issues in advance of the autumn 2007 fisheries negotiations at which decisions on fishing quotas and days at sea will be made for 2008.

SB 07-51 Parliamentary Allowances and Pay (295KB pdf)

Updated annual briefing on parliamentary pay and allowances to coincide with the release of Q4 expenditure figures. It updates SB 04/48, SB 05/81 and SB 07-09.9 (This briefing has been updated by SB 09/06 posted 22 January 2009).

SB 07-50 Equal Opportunities Subject Profile (192KB pdf)
This subject profile provides an overview of Equal Opportunities at EU, UK and Scottish levels. Although Equal Opportunities is reserved to the UK Parliament, the Scottish Parliament can ‘encourage and promote’ equal opportunities. In recent years there have been a number of key changes to the UK’s equality machinery. These changes have followed on from the implementation of European Directives. The new Commission for Equality and Human Rights will be established in October 2007. The Commission for Racial Equality, the Disability Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission will all be dissolved.

SB 07-49 Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Bill (133KB pdf)
The Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Bill seeks to remove the power to demand tolls charged to users of the Forth Road Bridge and Tay Road Bridge.  This briefing describes the ownership and management of the two bridges and explains the operation of the current tolling systems.  It also provides details on annual toll income, results of the Scottish Government commissioned Toll Impact Study and outstanding debt on the Tay Road Bridge.  Finally, it explains the provisions in the Bill plus associated costs and highlights views expressed by key stakeholders on these proposals

SB 07-48 Flooding (141KB pdf)

This briefing provides an introduction to flooding. It contains information on recent flooding incidents in Scotland; future risks and the implications of climate change; flood prevention and other relevant legislation; responsibilities for flooding and flooding policy; and flood insurance.

SB 07-47 Key Economic Indicators (191KB pdf)

This quarterly briefing provides a selection of indicators on different aspects of the Scottish economy.

SB 07-46 Local Food and Food Policy (166KB pdf)

Local food and food policy are distinct, but related policy areas.  This briefing gives an introduction to the food supply chain, local food, and associated issues.  It then sets out current Scottish Executive food policies, including for local food.

SB 07-45 Lifelong Learning: Higher Education (396KB pdf)

This briefing provides a general introduction to lifelong learning in Scotland and focuses specifically on higher education. It presents key statistics for the sector, information on the funding of Scotland’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the financial support available for higher education students. It also looks at recent developments and key issues facing the Higher Education sector.

SB 07-44 Averting 'Dangerous' Climate Change? - Science and Policy Update (245KB pdf)

Increasingly, reference is being made that it is crucial to “avert dangerous climate change” (Defra 2006). This SPICe Briefing is written to update the science and policy aspects of SPICe Briefing 05-04 Climate Change (Cook 2005). It examines developments at global, European, United Kingdom, Scottish and local levels, and introduces some low carbon success stories. 

SB 07-43 Lifelong Learning: Further Education (349KB pdf)

This briefing provides a general introduction to lifelong learning in Scotland and focuses specifically on further education. It presents key statistics for the sector, information on the funding of Scotland’s colleges and the financial support available for further education students. It also looks at recent developments and key issues facing the Further Education sector.

SB 07-42 Police Strength (363KB pdf)

This briefing provides statistical information about police officers and civilian support staff in: (a) the eight Scottish police forces; and (b) police forces in a selection of other European countries.

SB 07-41 Personal Carbon Allowances (209KB pdf)

This SPICe Briefing introduces the theory of personal carbon allowances. This is a concept whereby individuals are given an allocation of carbon dioxide which they are entitled to emit as a result of their lifestyle.

SB 07-40 Children's Services (334KB pdf)

This briefing provides an overview of children's services looking at some key statistics, the leigslative framework, main types of services provided and structures for integrated working.

SB 07-39 Mental Health Services in Scotland (178KB pdf)

This briefing provides background information on the statutory framework underpinning mental health in Scotland.  It goes on to outline the main policy developments that have taken place since devolution.  This is followed by a discussion of the organisation of mental health services, including data on a range of services and workforce statistics.  Finally, the briefing considers the funding of mental health services.

SB 07-38 EU Justice and Home Affairs Policy (285KB pdf)

This briefing provides an overview of EU co-operation in the policy area of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) and updates earlier SPICe briefings in 2002 and 2003. It describes the various EU institutions and processes involved in JHA policy-making and identifies current and future priorities in JHA.

SB 07-37 Legal Aid in Scotland (270KB pdf)

This briefing provides an overview of the system of legal aid in Scotland. It considers: the wider policy context; the legislative framework of the legal aid system and the role of the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB); the different types of legal aid which are available; recent trends in expenditure on legal aid; and the main developments in this policy area, designed to further aims including the potentially competing aims of controlling costs and improving access to justice.

SB 07-36 Rejected Ballot Papers (1.9MB pdf)

This paper summarises what constituted a ‘rejected ballot paper’ at the elections in May and then details the level of rejected ballot papers at the 2007 Scottish Parliament election and also at the local government elections held on the same day.

SB 07-35 Energy - Subject Profile (712KB pdf)

This SPICe Subject Profile provides an introduction to the energy sector in Scotland, with relevant UK, European and Global context. It covers aspects of energy efficiency and energy for transport, electricity and direct use.

SB 07-34 Tourism in Scotland - Subject Profile (107KB pdf)

This subject profile provides information on the legislative framework for promoting tourism in Scotland, describes the main organisations involved in supporting tourism, provides statistical information, summarises Executive policies and lists the main concerns relating to tourism in Scotland.

SM SP 07-05 Economic Development - Subject Profile (128KB pdf)

This briefing describes the legislative framework governing economic development in Scotland, provides figures for key indicators, lists the key stakeholders, describes current European, UK and Scottish government policies, sets out figures for funding and summarises some of the concerns expressed by stakeholders relating to economic development.

SB 07-33 Guide to the Scottish Budget - Subject Profile (208KB pdf)

This briefing is intended to assist new Members and others in understanding the principles and processes underpinning the Scottish Budget. The briefing explains some of the basic elements of public finance and describes the process of parliamentary scrutiny. It also summarises the historical developments that led to the current process and provides a one-page summary of a “standard year” of budget scrutiny.

This briefing updates SPICe briefing 03/24.

SB 07-32 The National Health Service in Scotland (196KB pdf)

This briefing provides an overview of the National Health Service in Scotland, and covers the following: a history of recent policy reforms; structural organisation of the NHS in Scotland; public health & levels of health care provision; governance and accountability; standards of care - regulation, inspection, complaints and enforcement; financing of the NHS in Scotland; policy divergence in the UK.

SB 07-31 Local Government - Subject Profile (139KB pdf)

This subject profile provides an introduction to local government. It describes the legislative and administrative framework, and provides an overview to the issue of local government finance. It summarises recent policy developments and initiatives and discusses some of the key issues arising.

SB 07-30 Public Finance: A Glossary of Terms (162KB pdf)

This briefing has been produced for new members of the Finance Committee, and MSPs generally wishing to familiarise themselves with commonly used public finance terminology. It outlines the main terminology and acronyms used to describe public finance in Scotland. It is divided into sections covering general terms, local government expenditure and European funding. It also includes a list of abbreviations.

SM DA 07-06 The Scottish Civil Court System (235KB pdf)

This Subject Map provides an overview of the civil court system in Scotland. In particular it: provides an introduction to the civil justice system in Scotland (of which the civil courts form an important part); explains key terminology associated with the civil courts; outlines the structure of the civil court system; discusses recent policy developments associated with the civil courts and the wider civil justice system.

(This briefing has been superseded by SB 09-52 posted 20 August 2009)

SB 07-29 Community Care in Scotland (323KB pdf)

This briefing provides background information on the statutory framework underpinning community care, general community care policy developments, specific policy developments for particular client groups and the organisation and funding of community care services.

SB 07-28 Key Economic Indicators (225KB pdf)

This quarterly briefing provides a selection of indicators on different aspects of the Scottish economy.

SB 07-27 Environment - Subject Profile (300KB pdf)

This briefing introduces the key environmental issues in Scotland, including climate change, radioactive waste, protected sites & species, water environment and industry, and strategic environmental assessment. More detailed SPICe briefings are already available or will be published in the future. 

SB 07-26 Private Sector Housing - Subject Profile (125KB pdf)

This subject profile provides an introduction to private sector housing in Scotland. It describes the legislative framework, and summarises recent policy developments and key issues arising. (Throughout, this briefing refers to the policy of the previous Scottish Executive. )

SB 07-25 International Polar Year 2007-2009 (401KB pdf)

International Polar Year runs from March 2007 to March 2009 and includes a wide-ranging scientific programme focused on the Arctic and the Antarctic. This briefing introduces the Year, gives some background on the Arctic and the Antarctic, and briefly describes British interests in Antarctica.

SM SP 07-04 The European Union - The Budget (121KB pdf)

This subject map provides details of the way in which the European Union budget is agreed.

SM SP 07-03 The European Union - The Legislative Process (462KB pdf)

This subject map provides a brief introduction to the European Union's legislative process. It looks at the different forms of legislation available to the EU and the way in which that legislation is agreed at EU level.

SM SP 07-02 The European Union - The Institutions (98KB pdf)

This subject map provides information on the five institutions of the European Union. The institutions manage the way in which decisions are made.

SM SP 07-01 The European Union - A Brief History (84KB pdf)

This subject map provides a brief history of the European Union from its development after the Second World War through to the recent debate about the EU Constitution.

SB 07-24 Biodiversity (190KB pdf)

This briefing provides an introduction to biodiversity.  It explores what biodiversity means in practice, and the framework for protecting it.  It then provides a short case study on the role of the bumblebee in conserving biodiversity. Scottish Biodiversity Week commences on 19 May 2007.

SB 07-23 Transport in Scotland Subject Profile (232KB pdf)

This subject profile provides an introduction to road, rail, air, bus, waterborne and freight transport in Scotland. It describes the legislative and administrative frameworks governing these modes of transport and identifies key agencies and organisations for each. It also summarises recent policy developments for each type of transport and identifies some key issues which are currently under debate. Further, more detailed, briefings on specific issues in transport policy will be produced throughout the parliamentary session.

SB 07-22 Rural Affairs and Fisheries: Subject Profile (165KB pdf)

This briefing is written for the benefit of both new MSPs and those returning to the Parliament. More detailed briefings on rural affairs topics will be produced throughout the parliamentary session. It provides an overview of the main issues within the rural affairs portfolio. It highlights the main legislation and policy developments in previous Parliamentary sessions, and potential future developments.

SM DA 07-05 The Scottish Criminal Justice System: The Prison Service (144KB pdf)

This subject map is one of six covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It provides a brief description of the operation of the prison service in Scotland and provides information on the system of early release for prisoners.

SB 07-21 Election 2007 (2.3MB pdf)

This briefing provides an analysis of the 2007 Scottish Parliament election.  In particular it covers the Scottish Parliament electoral system, the election campaign, electoral behaviour and the polls, turnout, spoilt ballots, the impact of the result upon the political parties, the regional vote and the new composition of the Parliament.

SB 07-20 House Prices (Updated) (131KB pdf)

This briefing provides an overview of key house prices statistics. An overview of trends in house prices at a UK and Scotland level is given. Trends at a regional level are also considered, as are issues of affordability, particularly for first time buyers. This briefing updates SB 06-76 published on 17 October 2006.

SB 07-19 Town and Country Planning - Subject Profile (72KB pdf)

This briefing provides a brief introduction to the Scottish planning system and the changes introduced by the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006.

SB 07-18 The School Curriculum - Proposals for Change (143KB pdf)

This briefing provides an overview of the school curriculum in Scotland and details of the on-going review of the curriculum.

(This briefing has been updated by SB 08-08 posted 19 February 2008)

SM DA 07-04 The Scottish Criminal Justice System: The Criminal Courts (107KB pdf)

This subject map is one of six covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It provides a brief description of the operation of the criminal courts in Scotland.

SM DA 07-03 The Scottish Criminal Justice System: The Public Prosecution System (101KB pdf)

This subject map is one of six covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It provides a brief description of the operation of the public prosecution system in Scotland.

SM DA 07-02 The Scottish Criminal Justice System: The Police (137KB pdf)

This subject map is one of six covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It outlines the organisation, administration and funding of the police service in Scotland. It also provides a description of the role and responsibilities of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland and outlines the police complaints system.

SM DA 07-01 The Scottish Criminal Justice System: Legal and Administrative Arrangements (95KB pdf)

This subject map is one of six covering various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system. It looks at the basis of Scots criminal law, including consideration of devolved and reserved issues. It also outlines key administrative arrangements.