Recommendation 2

There was disappointment that a draft Plan was not laid in 2024 (in line with then current legal requirements) but the Committee notes the Scottish Government’s view that it considered itself to be in a position where there was no alternative but to delay. It is also disappointing now to be in a situation where the Scottish Government has given itself a maximum of three weeks to reflect on recommendations from Parliamentary Committees and consultation responses from experts, industry and the public. While we accept that the process laid out in statute does not give the Scottish Government complete control over timetabling, this is not good practice and lowers confidence that we have a robust consideration process.