The Fuel Poverty (Targets, Definition and Strategy) (Scotland) Act 2019 (Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2020

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations make provision in relation to the composition of the Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel (“the Panel”) and further provisions about the Panel, under section 14(7) and (8) and section 17(1)(b) of the Fuel Poverty (Targets, Definition and Strategy) (Scotland) Act 2019 (“the Act”).

Regulation 2 provides for the appointment of the chair and other members of the Panel by the Scottish Ministers, and a minimum and maximum number of members. The regulation also provides for the period of appointment and possible re-appointment of members, and the matters which the Scottish Ministers must have regard to in making the appointments.

Regulation 3 sets out the circumstances in which an individual is disqualified from appointment, and from holding office, as a member of the Panel.

Regulation 4 provides for the circumstances in which the Scottish Ministers may remove a member of the Panel from office.

Regulation 5 provides for the entitlement of members of the Panel to remuneration and reimbursement of expenses, and that the Scottish Ministers pay such remuneration and expenses.

Regulation 6 provides for the independence of the Panel from the direction or control of the Scottish Ministers. It also provides that the Panel does not have Crown status.

Regulation 7 contains further provisions in connection with the requirement of the Panel to make periodic reports in accordance with section 14(4) of the Act. The regulation sets out how the Panel must give the reports to the Scottish Ministers and makes provision about publication of the reports.

Regulation 8 introduces the schedule. The schedule contains some consequential amendments of four Acts of the Scottish Parliament, to insert reference to the Panel within the relevant schedules of those Acts.