Question reference: S6W-27197
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 2 May 2024
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 13 May 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what principles and policies guide the undertaking of islands impact assessments.
Answer
Sustainable and thriving island communities are vital to Scotland. The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 emphasises the importance of ‘island-proofing’ policies to consider and address specific island characteristics when policy is being developed and delivered.
Island Communities Impact Assessments (ICIAs) help to ensure equitable and fair outcomes by finding the best ways to deliver policies for islanders. The duty to carry out ICIAs has been a legal requirement since December 2020. This means that Relevant Authorities must consider any impact on islands when developing or reviewing policies, strategies or services which are likely to have an effect on an island community which is significantly different from its impact on other communities (including other island communities).
ICIA guidance is available at the following link: Island communities impact assessments: guidance and toolkit - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Additional support tools have also been created to guide policymakers through the process. These are available here: Empowering our island communities - Community empowerment - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)