The Act Administrative matters, eligibility and enforcement Section 21 – Monitoring and evaluation of schemes
120.This section provides for monitoring and evaluation of schemes, support provided otherwise than under a scheme, and other relevant assistance (as defined in section 11(4) of the Act).
121.Subsection (1) deals with support schemes. The Scottish Ministers must monitor the impact of each support scheme and prepare one or more reports on the impact and effectiveness of the scheme, having regard to the findings of the monitoring. This is designed to strike a balance between effective monitoring of the main schemes with a lighter touch approach for smaller or less significant schemes.
122.Subsection (2) deals with relevant assistance and other forms of support provided otherwise than under a support scheme. The Scottish Ministers may monitor these forms of support or assistance and prepare one or more reports on the impact and effectiveness of the assistance, having regard to the findings of the monitoring. This is a discretionary power to monitor as it may not always be appropriate to report on support that has, for example, been provided on a one-off or occasional basis.
123.The methodology and length of monitoring are not specified in this section, as the different schemes and methods of support and assistance available mean that there is not a single set of considerations that will be relevant in all circumstances. However, the monitoring must be carried out in such a manner and for such period(s) as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate for the particular scheme or other support. Similarly, the number and frequency of reports are not specified, but must again be appropriate for the circumstances. Reports produced must be laid before the Scottish Parliament and published.