SCCORS

Scottish Councils’ Committee on Radioactive Substances (SCCORS) 

The Scottish Councils’ Committee on Radioactive Substances (SCCORS) provides a vital forum for Scottish local authorities to engage with national policy and practice on radioactive substances, particularly in relation to nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management. Established in 2008, SCCORS enables local authorities to work together to develop a shared perspective and influence proposals that affect communities across Scotland. 

 

Purpose and Remit 

SCCORS exists to: 

  • Identify a common local authority viewpoint on issues relating to radioactive substances, including radioactive waste 
  • Act as an interface with the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, and regulatory bodies during consultations on radioactive waste management and clean-up policy and practice.
  • Influence national policy on radioactive waste management in the interests of communities affected.

Key Aims 

SCCORS seeks to: 

  • Ensure that all radioactive waste management activities meet the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental protection 
  • Raise awareness and debate within local government on issues with significant implications for any area affected by proposals for radioactive waste management or nuclear decommissioning 
  • Build capacity within local authorities to respond effectively to strategic policy developments 
  • Represent local government in national discussions and stakeholder forums 
  • Promote democratic legitimacy and community representation in policy and strategy development processes. 

 

Membership and Governance 

Scottish local authorities are encouraged to appoint one elected member to SCCORS, as well as officer representation to also attend meetings and receive committee communications The Committee meets at least twice annually and operates under a set of Standing Orders that ensure transparency, consistency, and effective decision-making.  Meetings allow members to discuss issues of interest and hear from key stakeholders including the Scottish Government, nuclear industry and regulators. Meetings are held in private, but external participants may be invited to support the Committee’s work.

 The Convener and members are appointed following local government elections. Decisions are made by consensus where possible, with majority views recorded when necessary. 

 

Leadership 

The current Convener of SCCORS is Councillor Michelle Campbell of Renfrewshire Council where she holds the position of Convener of the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board and Depute Convener of the Economy and Regeneration Policy Board. 

Secretariat Support 

Since 2025, Nuleaf (Nuclear Legacy Advisory Forum) has provided secretariat support to SCCORS.  

 Nuleaf is the sister organisation supporting local authorities in England and Wales on matters related to nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management. As a Special Interest Group of the Local Government Association (LGA), Nuleaf works closely with government, regulators, and the nuclear industry to promote the best outcomes for communities affected by the nuclear legacy.  

Stakeholders 

SCCORS stakeholders include Scottish Government, the Scottish nuclear regulators (Office for Nuclear Regulation, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator), nuclear site operators (civil and defence), Local Authorities in Scotland and COSLA, their representative body. 

Contact Details:

For further information about SCCORS, or to get in touch with the Committee, please contact: 

Louise Martin, SCCORS Co-ordinator 

Email: louise.martin@nuleaf.org.uk 

Tel: 07443 399006