Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015

Parts of the Act

We welcome the Act and are making sure we have plans in place which meet the guidance when it comes in to force. We will add more links to this page as we add and update information.

Part one: National outcomes

Scottish Ministers set goals for Scotland. Ministers will be required to consult on these goals and report progress on them at least every five years.

Part two: Community planning

Public sector bodies will be expected to work together as community planning partnerships. All partners will be expected to work together with local communities to improve services. This part of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act came into force on 20 December 2016.

Part three: Participation requests

Community groups will be given the power to ask to be involved with local public sector bodies, like ourselves, Police and NHS, to improve services. This part of the Act came into force on 1 April 2017. Find out more about Participation requests.

Part four: Community right to buy

The Act will extend community right to buy to urban communities. This means that groups in Hawick and Galashiels, for example, will now be able to use the process.

Part five: Asset transfer

This part of the Act is aimed at community groups that wish to buy, lease or use land or buildings that are owned by public sector organisations such as ourselves. To help community groups identify which land/building would be suitable we have published an asset (property) register each of the five areas in the Borders:

  • Berwickshire
  • Cheviot
  • Eildon (Central Borders)
  • Teviot and Liddesdale
  • Tweeddale 

We have a Community Asset Transfer policy which sets out what community groups have to do if they would like to buy, lease or use our property. If your group is thinking about submitting an asset transfer request please get in touch with the Communities and Partnership Team for an informal chat. The team will answer any queries you have, supply you with information about the property you are interested in and provide you with advice to help you develop your application. Find out more about Asset transfer.

Part six: Delegation of forestry commissioners' functions

The Act will allow the forestry commission to delegate its responsibilities in connection to land that is leased to community groups.

Part seven: Football clubs

Gives Scottish Ministers power to make rules about the role supporters play with the clubs they support.

Part eight: Common good property

We are required to establish and maintain a register of property which we hold as part of the common good. This part of the Act came into force on 27 June 2018. Find out more about Common good property

Part nine: Allotments

Makes the law about allotments easier to understand and how waiting lists should be managed. Find out more about Allotments

Part ten: Participation in public decision making

Gives Scottish Ministers the power to request that public authorities publicise and support the involvement of the community in the decisions and activities of the authority, including the allocation of resources.

Part eleven: Non domestic rates

We will be able to create and fund local business rate relief schemes to better meet local needs. This part of the Act came into force on 31 October 2015.