The Partnerships (Prosecution) (Scotland) Bill is set to be considered by the House of Lords this week. The Bill is designed to close the loophole allowing partnerships to evade prosecution by dissolving.
The issue of criminal liability of partnerships in Scotland came into focus following the death of the 14 elderly residents in a fire at the Rosebank nursing home in Lanarkshire in 2004.
It is hoped that the Bill will become law this session but it will not be retrospective therefore could not be used to pursue the Rosebank proprietors.
- Anne Hunter