Cleaner Air for Scotland 2: equalities impact assessment

What might prevent the desired outcomes being achieved?

CAFS 2 is being shaped around the 10 high level recommendations arising from the CAFS review. Its development will be informed by evidence provided, including during the statutory consultation period. Achieving the desired outcomes will be dependent on, and will involve a need for government, business and industry, employers (private and public) and the general public to play their part in helping to reduce avoidable air pollution. This will involve adopting a new public engagement and behaviour change strategy for air quality. More research is needed to provide clear evidence on levels of knowledge, attitudes, and concern related to air pollution, as well as on willingness to change behaviours which contribute toward air pollution. Many of the key drivers and incentives/disincentives will be closely related to those associated with climate change, but at the same time there will be differences in focus and approach. Development of complementary and co-ordinated public engagement strategies is therefore essential to deliver the required behavioural change outcomes and to avoid confusing or conflicting messages.

The strategy also introduces measures to tackle emissions from agriculture and domestic burning. Consideration of performance and standards for domestic fires, stoves and fuels, and local authority powers to permit and control these, together with a refreshed approach to good agricultural practice have the potential to deliver significant improvements in air quality beyond current regulatory and management approaches. The successful delivery of these actions will be dependent on the sectors adopting the regulations and responsibilities which may be placed on them.

Where required subsequent secondary legislation will be used to deliver the commitments detailed in CAFS 2. Secondary legislation will be subject to further impact assessments including a full EQIA and consultation