DISCLAIMER:
This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.
Simple terms explainer:
Councils must handle all land and property transactions in a way that protects public assets and complies with the law. This includes securing the best value reasonably obtainable when disposing of land, following statutory procedures if selling or leasing for less than market value, and ensuring decisions are supported by clear business cases. Councils should act transparently, keep accurate records, and apply proper scrutiny to major transactions so that public resources are used effectively and in the community’s best interest.
Legal status
Statutory
Duty category
Corporate services
Finance
Business and legal
Duty type
Organisational
Social determinant of health
Neighbourhood and environment
Emerging policy and legislation
1
Bodies with shared interest
Registers of Scotland
Scottish Land Commission
Audit Scotland
Accounts Commission
Revenue Scotland
Society of Local Authority Lawyers and Administrators in Scotland (SOLAR)
Standards and frameworks
1