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Working with Local Government

Local authorities are responsible for a wide range of local services, including planning and development management, education, local transport and non-trunk roads, leisure and recreation facilities, social services, flood protection and certain emergency services. SNH acts as an adviser to local authorities on natural heritage issues, for example on:

  • planning and development management (where our role is based on statutory requirements)
  • management of natural heritage resources
  • local biodiversity action plans
  • local nature reserves
  • access provision, core path networks, and long-distance paths
  • greenspace development
  • country and regional parks
  • environmental education

Single outcome agreements

In 2007 Scottish Government agreed a concordat with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, establishing a renewed relationship between central and local government, based on mutual respect and partnership and a wish to simplify relationships and funding and reporting requirements. These principles extend to the wider public sector, including SNH. The concordat is underpinned by a common objective of seeking to achieve the outcomes within the National Performance Framework. SNH no longer provides grant for certain natural heritage services, as that funding is now routed directly to local government by Scottish Government.

Each local authority, working with its Community Planning Partnership, now reaches a Single Outcome Agreement with Scottish Government. A Single Outcome Agreement sets out local priorities and aspirations. It shows how Local Authorities and Community Planning Partners will work together for shared outcomes for the benefit of people, place and community.

SNH's role in Single Outcome Agreements varies from place to place, depending on local priorities. Depending on the outcomes sought, or the project or partnership working to achieve it, we may be involved as:

  • co-signatory to the Agreement
  • a source of advice and expertise on the way that the natural heritage contributes
  • a partner a funder (exceptionally, for time-limited and innovative projects)
  • a provider of in-kind staff time

Further information

For further information on this SNH Website see: