What public engagement has the Minister had regarding the 'Improving Opportunities to Access the Outdoors for Responsible Recreation' consultation?
The Welsh Government received 5796 responses to the public consultation on improving opportunities to access the outdoor for responsible recreation. The summary of responses is available at the following link: https://consultations.gov.wales/consultations/improving-opportunities-access-outdoors-responsible-recreation
Welsh Government Legal Services was consulted on various matters relating to the content of the consultation paper as part of the on-going policy development on access and outdoor recreation. Legal Services also cleared the paper prior to publication.
More work has to be done before any decision is made on whether to amend the legislative framework on access and outdoor recreation. The Welsh Government has commissioned research on the costs associated with existing statutory duties and powers exercised by public bodies in relation to rights of way and wider statutory access to the outdoors.
Public engagement played an important role in the development of the consultation paper and during the consultation period. Officials met regularly with stakeholders and encouraged interest groups to publicise the consultation. A series of seminars were held in 2014 covering all the issues contained in the paper, including public rights of way, wider access to the countryside and access to water. In addition it received good media coverage and the use of social media to promote public interest.
I intend to engage very widely before taking any decisions on potential new measures to improve access.