Welcome to the first edition of Scottish Policy Now Scottish Policy Now is an online magazine that will provide regular news and analysis of changing government policies; regulation; initiatives and legislation and the impact of all of these on Scotland and people living in Scotland The ‘customers’ of the planning system are not only those applying for planning permission but also broader society at large, given the system’s role in helping to shape our built and natural environment, which we all use and appreciate Scottish Government has every right to challenge planning authorities to improve but we feel that the approach they are taking is neither needed