Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement

On Thursday the Scottish Government published The Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement which outlines six principles for 'a Scotland with a strong and dynamic relationship between its land and people, where all land contributes to a modern and successful country, and where rights and responsibilities in relation to land are fully recognised and fulfilled”.

The principles are there to inform government policy when it comes to housing, farming, regeneration, planning and caring for the environment. 

The principles are:

  1. The overall framework of land rights, responsibilities and public policies should promote, fulfil and respect relevant human rights in relation to land, contribute to public interest and wellbeing, and balance public and private interests. The framework should support sustainable economic development, protect and enhance the environment, help achieve social justice and build a fairer society.
  2. There should be a more diverse pattern of land ownership and tenure, with more opportunities for citizens to own, lease and have access to land.
  3. More local communities should have the opportunity to own, lease or use buildings and land which can contribute to their community’s wellbeing and future development.
  4. The holders of land rights should exercise these rights in ways that take account of their responsibilities to meet high standards of land ownership, management and use. Acting as the stewards of Scotland’s land resource for future generations they contribute to sustainable growth and a modern, successful country.
  5. There should be improved transparency of information about the ownership, use and management of land, and this should be publicly available, clear and contain relevant detail.
  6. There should be greater collaboration and community engagement in decisions about land.

Land Reform Secretary Roseanne Cunningham announced on Thursday that the principles can 

“can help address some key issues we face in the 21st century”, such as housing shortages, inequality, and threats to the environment.

Ms Cunningham added: “I’m proud that this statement about land rights and responsibilities is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. I am sure it will play an important role in shaping the thinking on land issues in Scotland in the years to come.

“It rightly promotes and supports a human rights approach to land and will contribute to securing rights, equality and wellbeing by balancing public and private interests.

“Setting out this vision signals our determination to continue to lead the way in ensuring Scotland’s urban and rural land plays a full role in promoting inclusive growth, a sustainable economy and social justice.”

Source: Scottish Housing News

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