Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 60
MOD base closures, base expansions, speculation on base closures and reversals/ changes in basing decisions...
Conclusion
MOD base closures, base expansions, speculation on base closures and reversals/ changes in basing decisions can all have major consequences for local communities in Scotland. All of the local authorities we heard from—regardless of whether they were facing MOD increases or decreases—desired greater collaboration with the MOD on basing decisions.
Government Response Summary
The MOD acknowledges the committee's conclusion and states it will continue to work closely with stakeholders on the release of surplus Defence land, as well as the maintenance and development of Defence establishments in Scotland.
Paragraph Reference:
60
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
MOD notes the Committee’s conclusion on the desire for greater collaboration and will continue to work closely with stakeholders on the release of surplus Defence land, including for city deals in Moray and Stirling, as we do with all Local Authorities in Scotland on the release of former military sites as well as the maintenance and development of the enduring Defence establishments in Scotland. The proximity of local authorities to their communities and their responsibility for delivery of local services is an important factor in our engagement with them. The same applies to other parts of the UK. In rationalising the defence estate, it is understood that there will be both opportunities and challenges for local communities. MOD therefore seeks to engage and work closely with local authorities to ascertain the best planning solutions for surplus sites. and scrutiny and MOD has had to make some difficult decisions to reduce the size of the defence estate in Scotland by four sites. MOD recognises that the impact of site closures will be felt beyond the Defence community and therefore will continue to work closely with local authorities to determine the impact of closure decisions while giving as much notice as feasible. In the case of the four disposal sites in Scotland, MOD have been able to give between six and sixteen years notice of these base closures. This time has been put to good use to work in partnership on city deals, local planning allocation, and local planning documents that will see these sites realise new opportunities for the local community following military closure, and these helpful conversations will continue well into the future.