Formal requirements

The main statutory guidance on Best Value and sustainable development is set out in s1(5) of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003, and in Chapter 7 of the Best Value guidance published by the Scottish Executive in 2004. You can explore the policy context for Best Value and Sustainable Development in detail here.

S1 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 sets out the duty of local authorities to secure Best Value. S1(5) states that:

The local authority shall discharge its duties under this section in a way which contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development

This statutory requirement for local authorities to engage with sustainable development was new. Its location in the first section of the Act, which sets out the overall duty of Best Value - to secure continuous improvement in all aspects of local authority functions - emphasises its importance.

Statutory Ministerial Guidance

The Statutory Ministerial guidance (see links below) issued under of s2(1)(a) of the Act reminds authorities of their statutory duties for Best Value, Community Planning and the Power to Advance Well Being. Then, by identifying core Best Value characteristics, the Ministerial guidance intends to assist local authorities in self-assessment and in planning future improvement activity in corporate management and governance. The required Best Value arrangements include;

Guidance prepared under Statute - Chapter 7: A Contribution to Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development

Contribution to the achievement of sustainable development - consideration of the social, economic and environmental impacts of activities and decisions both in the shorter and the longer term.

The guidance prepared under s2(1)(b) of the 2003 Act, and approved by the Best Value Task Force, and published on behalf of Ministers by the Scottish Executive in 2004, develops what is meant by the contribution to the achievement of sustainable development, especially in its Chapter 7. In the event of conflicts between documents, guidance recognised under s2(1)(b) takes precedence over any other published material on Best Value with the exception of statutory guidance published by Ministers.

Chapter 7 provides the most comprehensive and succinct statement of the statutory requirements. It restates the statutory Ministerial guidance, defines sustainable development, and then sets out seven action points. Chapter 7 of the existing guidance is set out below, with an indication of where each action point is addressed in this Supplementary Guidance listed in the second column of the table.

Characteristics of Best Value Arrangements: Chapter Seven

A local authority which secures Best Value will be able to demonstrate



Sustainable development is commonly defined as being development which secures a balance of social, economic and environmental wellbeing in the impact of activities and decisions; and which seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

This means:

Requirements of Chapter Seven Location of advice in this online toolkit
1. That there is commitment at both elected member and senior officer level to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development and to promote an integrated approach to improving economic, social and environmental well-being. See Mainstreaming Sustainable Development section on Commitment & Integration.
2. That contributing to the achievement of sustainable development is reflected in the authorities objectives and highlighted in all strategies and plans at corporate and services level. See Mainstreaming Sustainable Development section on Embedding at Corporate Level.
See Guide for Services.
3. That these plans, priorities and actions are informed by the views of its communities and key local partners. See section on Participation and Community Planning.
4. That 'quality of life' indicators are identified to measure performance in contributing to the achievement of sustainable development and reported to the public. See section on Measurement and Review.
5. That review activities take account of sustainability issues and assess the impact of policy proposals on sustainable development.
6. That sustainable development requirements are taken into account in the procurement strategy. See section on Sustainable Procurement and Resource Management.
7. That there is a systematic approach to the management of resources which contributes to the achievement of sustainable development.