The Scottish Government has published Planning Circular 4/2025, which updates guidance on planning obligations under section 75 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 and good neighbour agreements under section 75D. This new circular replaces Circular 3/2012 and outlines five policy tests from National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) that planning obligations must satisfy. It also emphasises an 'Infrastructure First' approach in local development plans to ensure that infrastructure requirements are prioritised appropriately.

The Scottish Government has published a position paper outlining its current intentions and plans for the proposed Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill.

The Scottish Government has published guidance for shared equity homeowners on their responsibilities and the arrangements that apply after purchasing a property through a shared equity scheme. The guidance explains that owners are responsible for maintenance and insurance and may repay all or part of the Scottish Government’s retained equity share at any time, including by increasing their ownership share through ‘tranching-up’. It also sets out the arrangements for selling a shared equity property, including repayment of the Scottish Government’s percentage share of the final sale price and the requirement to obtain permission before accepting an offer below 95% of market value. The guidance states that shared equity properties must generally be used as the owner’s sole residence and cannot be sublet. It also explains the rules governing home improvements under different shared equity schemes, changes to ownership, remortgaging and additional borrowing, including circumstances where Scottish Government consent is required. Owners experiencing financial difficulties are advised to contact their mortgage lender and may also seek independent financial advice.

The Scottish Government has published its analysis of responses to its consultation on draft regulations introducing a minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) for private rented sector properties in Scotland. The proposals would require private rented homes, where possible, to reach reformed Energy Performance Certificate Heat Retention Rating band C from 2028 for new tenancies and from 2033 for all tenancies. Respondents broadly supported exemptions, use of technical suitability assessments, counting assessment and improvement costs towards the proposed cost cap, landlord support and local authority monitoring. However, concerns centred on the cost and deliverability of works, particularly for older, listed, rural, island and tenement properties. Respondents also highlighted risks to rental supply, possible rent increases, limited supply chain capacity and pressure on local authority enforcement resources. The analysis will inform the Scottish Government’s further consideration of the proposed regulations.

The Scottish Government has published a report providing a series of summaries for projects that have been funded through Scotland's Heat Network Fund, Heat Network Support Unit and Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme.

The Scottish Government has published a report on proposals and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This report was prepared under section 36 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 to compensate in future years for the excess emissions resulting from the missed annual emissions reduction targets in 2021 and 2022. The Scottish Parliament initially set ambitious emissions targets in 2019, aiming to reach interim emission reduction targets lower than the baseline of 56% by 2020, 75% by 2030 and 90% by 2040, along with statutory annual targets. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has stated that Parliament’s interim 2030 target is now out of reach.

The Scottish Government has published its response to the Climate Change Committee (CCC)’s 2023 ‘Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland’ report. The government noted the accelerated package of new climate action measures announced since the CCC released their report on 20 March 2024, including commitments relating to electric vehicle charging points, the implementation of an Agricultural Reform Programme, and plans to consult on proposals to introduce a carbon land tax. The Scottish Government also announced their intention to bring forward legislation to address matters raised by the CCC to ensure Scotland’s climate change framework reflects the reality of long-term climate policymaking, and accepted or partially accepted all 15 recommendations from the CCC.

The Scottish Government has published the response to its 2023 Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) reform consultation, confirming plans to introduce revised EPC regulations in Parliament in 2025. Key proposed changes include a new rating system for domestic buildings, providing clearer information on a property’s fabric energy efficiency, emissions, heating system efficiency and running costs, as well as the cost of energy to run the home under standardised conditions. The EPC format will also be redesigned, based on a first phase of user testing, with a second phase to follow before the regulations come into force. In addition, the validity of EPCs will be reduced from ten to five years to provide consumers with more up-to-date information. Subject to parliamentary approval, the new regulations, EPC rating system, and redesigned certificates are expected to be implemented in 2026. The Scottish Government also intends to conduct a technical consultation on the level of EPC lodgement fees before the new regulations are introduced.

The Scottish Government has published the response to its 2023 Strategic Framework for Biodiversity (SFB) consultation. The analysis indicates general support for the approach of the Delivery Plan, including the addition of a sixth objective to address indirect drivers of biodiversity loss. However, respondents expressed concerns about implementation, resourcing, and monitoring methodologies. There was also support for placing biodiversity targets on a statutory footing and reviewing the legal framework governing National Parks.

The Scottish Government has published the response to its March 2024 consultation on legislative proposals for marine nature restoration. The consultation sought views on introducing a registration process for low-impact restoration projects and expanding the use of Marine Conservation Orders to protect restoration sites. After analysing the responses, the Government has decided not to proceed with the proposed legislation at this time. While there was general support for the intended outcomes, respondents expressed concerns about the proposed approaches to achieve them. As a result, the Government will prioritise developing a comprehensive marine and coastal restoration plan by 2025, as part of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. This plan will outline key actions and prioritise locations, habitats, and species for restoration. A stakeholder advisory group will also be established to support the development of the plan.

The Scottish Government has published the responses to its consultation on the Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030 (CEWRM 2030). The consultation closed on 15 March 2024, and received 156 responses.

The Scottish Government has published the analysis of responses to its March 2024 consultation on enabling powers to amend Scotland’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regimes and the 1994 Habitats Regulations (HR). The analysis reveals that 59% of respondents supported the rationale for the proposed powers, while 56% emphasised the need for limitations on ministerial use of these powers. Respondents also raised concerns regarding the need for public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny on future amendments, as well as the need to maintain and strengthen environmental standards.