February 13 2008

First Minister Alex Salmond has announced that the Scottish Government will cut the number of quangos in Scotland by around a quarter, including the Building Standards Advisory Committee (BSAC).

The move will see existing bodies either abolished or amalgamated with other departments, while the future of some still hangs in the balance pending review.

The BSAC is to be abolished under current plans, but the Government has said that this will not take place until the introduction of “necessary legislation.” Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland are among those still under review, while Scottish Natural Heritage faces a merger with other departments.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “These changes will streamline decision-making and increase transparency, while bringing together those with similar skills, expertise and processes resulting in a better, more efficient service for all end users, including the architectural community.

"The Building Standards Advisory Committee (BSAC) is a statutory body which will not cease to operate until the necessary legislation has been introduced. BSAC's contribution to the building standards system has been invaluable over the last 40 years or so and it is anticipated that there will still be a need for industry wide advice in the future. The best way to deliver this in the longer term will be subject to further discussion with industry stakeholders.”

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