46AStrategic plans

1

The Commissioner must, in respect of each 4 year period, lay before the Parliament a plan (referred to in this section as a “strategic plan”) setting out how the Commissioner proposes to perform the Commissioner's functions during the 4 year period.

2

A strategic plan must, in particular, set out—

a

the Commissioner's objectives and priorities during the 4 year period,

b

how the Commissioner proposes to achieve them,

c

a timetable for doing so, and

d

estimates of the costs of doing so.

3

Before laying a strategic plan before the Parliament, the Commissioner must provide a draft of it to and invite, and (if any are given) consider, comments on it from—

a

the Parliamentary corporation,

b

the Keeper of the Records of Scotland, and

c

such other persons as the Commissioner thinks appropriate.

4

The reference in subsection (3)(c) to other persons includes a committee of the Parliament.

5

The Commissioner must lay each strategic plan before the Parliament not later than the beginning of the 4 year period to which the plan relates.

6

The Commissioner must arrange for the publication of each strategic plan laid before the Parliament.

7

The Commissioner may, at any time during a 4 year period, review the strategic plan for the period and lay a revised strategic plan before the Parliament.

8

Subsections (2) to (7) apply to a revised strategic plan as they apply to a strategic plan.

9

In that application, the reference in subsection (5) to the 4 year period is a reference to the period to which the revised strategic plan relates.

10

In this section, “4 year period” means the period of 4 years beginning on 1 April next following the coming into force of this section and each subsequent period of 4 years.