Resources and Waste Common Framework | Scottish Parliament

Resources and Waste Common Framework

Author: Courtney Aitken, Annie Bosse, Sarah McKay, Alexa Morrison

PDF Published: Wednesday 25 Mar 2026 (SB 26-24)

The image illustrate the different stages common frameworks go through as they are developed. The development comprises five phases: (1) brings together the UK Government and devolved administrations to engage in initial discussions on how the common framework should proceed, (2) focussed on detailed policy development, (3) period of review, consultation and further policy development. (4) framework is agreed and implemented, (5) Post-implementation arrangements.

Image: What is the process for developing frameworks ?

The infographic shows a three-tiered system of intergovernmental relations. At the top is the Council, in the middle are interministerial committees, and at the bottom are interministerial groups.

Image: Dispute resolution: Ministerial level

The diagram displays the order in which disputes are dealt with. It shows a rectangle, the official level, and a triangle, the ministerial level, above the rectangle. The official level comprises officials at the bottom and senior officials above them. The Ministerial level comprises interministerial groups, above them interministerial committees, and above them the Council. A disagreement is first dealt with at the official level, signified by an arrow pointing inwards towards the bottom of the rectangle. All levels are connected by purple arrows pointing upwards which signify that the disagreement is escalated. At all levels, a blue arrow points outwards to the right-hand side to signify resolution. At the two top tiers, the interministerial committees and the Council can 'agree to disagree', signified by an orange arrow pointing to the left-hand side, at which point they are required to make a statement to legislatures.

Image: Dispute Resolution at official and Ministerial levels

Last Updated: 25/3 6:08pm

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