Scottish MPs call to strip Crown Estate of its marine leasing powers in Scottish waters

MPs have urged the Government to end the Crown Estate Commissions' (CEC's) historic responsibility for marine leasing responsibilities in Scotland

The Scottish Affairs Committee today issued a report which argued that the only way to address problems is to end CEC’s responsibility in key areas, and devolve these to a local level.

The all-party committee of Scottish MPs complained about the way Crown Estate Commissioners managed their responsibilities n relation to the seabed and foreshore where the organisation plays a key role in licences leases for near and offshore energy activities including offshore wind farms and gas storage projects.

In a report published today the Scottish Affairs Committee said the Secretary of State for Scotland should announce the Government’s commitment to devolve and decentralise the Crown Estates Commissioner’s (CEC) marine and ancient rights and responsibilities in Scotland.

The report highlighted a lack of accountability and transparency as well as inadequate communication and consultation with local communities. The MPs said there wwere “limited benefits” in Scotland from the CEC’s involvements.

Committee chair Ian Davidson MP said: “Considering the nature and extent of the problems identified to us, almost exclusively in relation to the marine and coastal assets in Scotland, we have had to conclude that the CEC should no longer be the body responsible in these areas.

“The point is to conserve these assets and maximise the benefits to the island and coastal communities most closely involved with them. We are convinced the only way this can be done is by devolving as much of the responsibility – and benefit – down to the level of those local communities as possible.”