Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012
| Act of the Scottish Parliament | |
| Long title | An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make provision about policing; to make provision about fire and rescue services; and for connected purposes. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 2012 asp 8 |
| Introduced by | Kenny MacAskill, Cabinet Secretary for Justice |
| Territorial extent | Scotland |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 7 August 2012 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repeals/revokes | |
Status: Current legislation | |
| Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| Text of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk. | |
The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (asp 8) is an act of the Scottish Parliament.
Provisions
This legislation merged the eight separate police forces and fire and rescue services in Scotland, plus several central agencies, into single agencies covering the whole of Scotland.[1] These new agencies, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, formally came into being on 1 April 2013.[1]
By establishing the Scottish Police Authority and the Police Service of Scotland, it replaced the arrangements previously set out in the Police (Scotland) Act 1967.[2]
The legislation also made provision for the Auditor General for Scotland to become responsible for auditing the Scottish Police Authority, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.[3]
Further developments
The UK Government decided to make Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service ineligible for VAT refunds on the basis that they were not local organisations, but were national organisations.[4]
In 2018, a Scottish Parliament committee reviewed the effect of the act.[5]
See also
References
- ^ a b "Police and fire service merger review identifies 'systemic problems'". BBC News. 25 March 2019. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
- ^ "Topics: Law, Order & Public Safety: Policies: Police, fire and rescue services: Police service: Police Reform Legislation". Scottish Government. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
- ^ "About us: Auditor General". Audit Scotland. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
- ^ "Row over Scottish police reform VAT change". BBC News. 24 June 2012. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
- ^ "Holyrood committee to review Police and Fire Reform Act". BBC News. 1 April 2018. Retrieved 29 January 2026.
External links