Chamber and committees

Scottish Natural Heritage must determine how it will meet its statutory responsibilities and key priorities in the most cost-effective way. The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with the organisation to ensure it is adequately resourced to deliver its statutory duties and that the natural environment continues to provide the ecosystem services which underpin much of Scotland''s sustainable economic activity.

SNH also achieved time-releasing efficiencies of £0.233 million for 2009-10 by implementing: a new database to help with site condition monitoring; a new HR management information system; and, the final phase of a project to improve SNH''s recruitment process.

The first was the ongoing cost of implementing the business processes and systems required for the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP), which was a much more complex task than originally estimated; the second was the increase in the number of SRDP applications and claims; and the third was the extra effort required to support the increased levels of audit and scrutiny applied by the European Commission and the European Court of Auditors.

Although RPID was unable to reduce its administration costs for 2009-10 and thus realise the planned efficiency savings, it was able to deliver an increased volume of output with no material detriment to the quality or quantity of the services provided.

Marine Scotland was created on 1 April 2009. The target figure in 2008-09 was exceeded by £0.494 million, and fell short by £0.662 million in 2009-10 giving a net shortfall over the two years of £0.168 million. The shortfall was largely related to the transition from the previous structural arrangements to create Marine Scotland.  Some structural changes, which will generate significant efficiencies, have a lead time and are taking place in the second year of Marine Scotland. The expectation is that Marine Scotland will achieve the efficiency savings target over the life of the Efficient Government Programme.

Realigning some activities which were previously provided without charge, primarily commercial survey charters and support for studies and gear trials. Priority research programmes will be maintained through the scheduling of government vessels and a consensual approach to research priorities through an increased dialogue with stakeholder groups. Marine Scotland officials will be talking to stakeholders about how best to implement these changes in a way that protects the delivery of key priorities;

Being more efficient in data collection and handling in implementing marine legislation by making more use of existing data and less use of marine surveys;

Paying particular attention to the efficient use of expensive infrastructure to ensure that we extract maximum value. Marine Scotland has already decommissioned a Compliance protection vessel; brought in-house the day to day management of Science vessels; is engaged in detailed discussions with partner organisations about better utilisation of government owned assets, including ships and aircraft, and is actively assessing the regional estate requirements going forward;

Reducing administrative costs through a staff early release scheme; making other cost savings including travel and subsistence and procurement, and increasing charges for marine licences.