Local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods - planning guidance: final impact assessment report update

Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) –Report Update

Scottish Government Planning Guidance: Local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods

The fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4), adopted by the Scottish Ministers on 13 February 2023, contains policy on local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods. NPF4 forms part of the statutory development plan.

The Scottish Government Planning Guidance: Local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods aims to support the implementation of the existing policy framework within NPF4. The preparation of NPF4 involved extensive consultation and parliamentary scrutiny as well as the development of a comprehensive Integrated Impact assessment. A Society and Equalities Impact Assessment, including a CRWIA ,was undertaken for NPF4 and this covered the policy framework, including content on Local Living and 20 minute neighbourhoods (Policy 15).

This impact assessment report update relates only to the guidance, and not to new policy content. The guidance does not introduce any additional policy requirements or duties and is simply intended to provide additional details and clarifications of existing policy in order to support effective and efficient implementation.

The impact of the guidance is deemed to be covered by the NPF4 CRWIA and therefore this report updates and summarises the key issues as a supplement to the full assessment.

Summary conclusion

A public consultation on the Local living and 20 minute neighbourhood: Draft Planning Guidance ran between 27 April and 20 July 2023. No issues were raised that alter the conclusion.

The NPF4 CRWIA states: the Scottish Government has found that the proposals do not impinge negatively upon articles of the UNCRC or the indicators of wellbeing (SHANARRI) and that we do not consider that there are issues that will impact negatively upon children and young people.

The Scottish Government Planning Guidance: Local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods is intended to support the implementation of existing policy contained within NPF4. The guidance does not introduce any additional policy requirements or duties on planning authorities, communities or businesses and is simply intended to provide additional details and clarifications of existing policy in order to support effective and efficient implementation. We believe that the document will have no material impact on the assessment and conclusions of the full NPF4 CRWIA.

Introduction

As set out in Part 1 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, Scottish Ministers must keep under consideration whether there are any steps which they could take which would or might secure better or further effect in Scotland of the UNCRC requirements, and if they consider it appropriate to do so, take any of the steps identified by that consideration. Undertaking a CRWIA helps Ministers to fulfil this duty.

There are two key considerations when undertaking a CRWIA:

• Participation: The United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child (UNCRC) sets out that children have the right to participate in decisions which affect them. When assessing the impacts of the policy/measure, you are recommended to consult with children and young people. You can do this directly, through organisations that represent children and young people or through using existing evidence on the views and experiences of children where relevant. Participation of children and young people should be meaningful and accessible
• Evidence: You are recommended to gather evidence when assessing the impact of the policy/measure on children’s rights and also for measuring and evaluating the policy/measure. If you identify any gaps in the evidence base, you can discuss how you will address these with analytical colleagues

Which articles of the UNCRC does this policy/measure impact on?

The NPF4 CRWIA considered the relevant Articles of the UNCRC as:

• Article 12 - respect for the views of the child
• Article 24 - right to health and health services
• Article 27 - an adequate standard of living
• Article 31 - a right to play, rest, leisure and access cultural life

What impact will your policy/measure have on children’s rights?

The guidance will support the implementation of policy contained within NPF4 which has been subject to a full CRWIA. This found that the proposals do not impinge negatively upon articles of the UNCRC or the indicators of wellbeing (SHANARRI) and that did not consider that there are issues that will impact negatively upon children and young people. .

Will there be different impacts on different groups of children and young people? The NPF4 CRWIA states that NPF4 has the potential to have a positive impact on the rights of all children as it will help to deliver a healthier, safer, fairer and more inclusive Scotland where every child and young person has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

If a negative impact is assessed for any area of rights or any group of children and young people, can you explain why this is necessary and proportionate? What options have you considered to modify the proposal, or mitigate the impact?

No negative impact is assessed.

How will the policy / measure give better or further effect to the implementation of the UNCRC in Scotland?

NPF4 CRWIA states that NPF4 has the potential to have a positive impact on the rights of all children as it will help to deliver a fairer and more inclusive Scotland, where every child and young person has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. NPF4 aims to ensure that the places that children and young people live, play, go to school and work are shaped with their participation and are accessible to all. Ultimately, it considers that NPF4 complies with UNCRC requirements.

How have you consulted with relevant stakeholders, including involving children and young people in the development of the policy/measure?

NPF4 CRWIA sets out the extensive consultation that was undertaken with children and young people as part of the development of the document. This included working with the Scottish Youth Parliament, the publication of think pieces, roadshows including visits to schools and a subsequent full public consultation process.

The NPF4 Youth Engagement report provided an insight into key issues as identified by young people in the development of the document. The most frequently mentioned issue was housing and the community provision linked with it (doctors, schools, community and leisure centres) and also affordability.

What evidence have you used to inform your assessment?

The CRWIA considered evidence from over 30 studies, research and surveys, the details of which are included in the Society and Equalities Impact Assessment,. Additionally, a public consultation on the draft guidance ran from 27 April to 20 July providing an opportunity for further evidence to be provided.

How will the impact of the policy/measure be monitored?

Impact of the policy intent and outcomes will be monitored as part of the NPF4 Delivery Programme. This will inform future revisions to the supporting guidance. The guidance is intended to be a live document, in particular the content on case studies which can be hosted on the Ourplace.scot website and updated as they progress.

How will you communicate to children and young people the impact of the policy/measure on their rights?

We are considering how best to continue to engage with children and young people to ensure they are aware of the impact of the wider planning reform agenda. Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Division uses social media / twitter accounts (@ScotGovPlanning and @Placestandard) which will be used to highlight the guidance. Division’s e-alert / email is sent to around 1500 subscribers, which may include parents and carers and organisations that represent children and their interests.

There are also a number of specific requirements within the 2019 Act to ensure local authorities engage children and young people in the local development plan preparation processes, and to listen to their views. For example, regulations encourage planning authorities to promote their Proposed Plan through the internet. This can help to reach a wider audience, making it easier for more children and young people, as well as organisations and groups that represent children and their interests, to engage in planning.

Sign and Date:

Policy Lead Signature & Date of Sign Off:

Ashley Mullen
13 March 2024

Deputy Director Signature & Date of Sign Off:

Fiona Simpson
13 March 2024