LOCAL MSP URGES RESIDENTS TO HAVE THEIR SAY
Legislation aimed at addressing the frustration caused by overgrown hedges will be examined by the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities Committee.
The High Hedges (Scotland) Act came into force in 2013 with the aim of resolving issues with overgrown hedges that interfere with the enjoyment of homes, gardens and local environments. The Committee will examine how the legislation has operated in practice and whether this could be strengthened.
As part of the review, the Committee has launched a call for evidence to hear about people’s experience of the legislation, which includes questions such as ‘has the definition of a high hedge as set out in the Act proved helpful?’. Further information can be found on the webpage of the Local Government and Communities Committee at:
http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/local-govt-committee.aspx
All submissions should be sent to LGCCommittee@parliament.scot and the closing date for receipt of submissions is Monday 20 March 2017.
Local SNP MSP, Ruth Maguire, sits on Holyrood’s Local Government and Communities Committee and will be strongly involved in the scrutiny of the Act.
Commenting on the review, Ruth said:
‘While it can be a rare occurrence, overgrown hedges can be a serious nuisance – especially when they lead to disagreements or ‘hedge rage’ disputes between neighbours.
“What our Committee wants to know is whether the Act is working in practice. We want to hear from those with experience in this area so that we can give a considered view to the wider Parliament on whether or not the Act could be improved. I would encourage all constituents with experience of the Act to share their views with us so that we can ensure that it is functioning effectively.’
Ruth Maguire MSP 