The Act Credit Section 20 – Credit: bodies concerned with the environment
32.Section 20 provides that regulations may entitle a person to credit if the person pays a sum to a body whose objects include matters connected with the protection of the environment (as specified in the regulations). Regulations may require the bodies to which sums are paid (“environmental bodies”) to be approved by the Tax Authority. The sums which are paid are to be spent on matters which are prescribed by the regulations. Regulations can define the amount of credit available, including limitations to the amount of credit and may define the overheads associated with prescribed activities. They may make provisions for determining the allowable administration spends by environmental bodies and make provisions for an environmental body to remain approved only if it complies with conditions imposed by the Tax Authority. Provisions may also be made to withdraw approval of an environmental body by the Tax Authority. Regulations can provide for the Tax Authority to share the tax affairs of persons carrying out taxable activities which are relevant to the credit scheme. This section ensures that the funding of environmental bodies through taxing landfill can continue in Scotland under a replacement fund.