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Patrick, is there anything else that you want to say to expand on your concerns about having accusations against the regulator investigated and how that situation could be improved?

Does anyone have any other comments to make about any aspects of the regulator’s functions, or how the regulator carries them out, that might help it to meet its statutory objectives?

My question is for Alan Stokes. The committee has heard some evidence suggesting that there is no effective appeals process for regulatory decisions. Your submission recommends having an independent appeals mechanism. How does the current appeals process work and how could it be made more independent?

The committee has received some evidence about the reduction in the number of community-based housing associations in Scotland, and some are suggesting that the regulator has been instrumental in that change. The regulator has denied that, arguing that it regulates individual landlords and has no remit to

“effect sectoral change or restructuring or consolidation”.

What are the witnesses’ views on that matter? Is there a need to strengthen protections for community-controlled housing in Scotland?

Thank you. That is really helpful.

Good morning. I want to pick up on the comments about exemption discussions with the City of Edinburgh Council. I am aware that Living Rent has raised concerns about exemptions being granted for most of the year for festivals and major events. I have to stay here in Edinburgh during the week quite a bit, and it seems that there is always an event. During events such as the Taylor Swift concerts, there were sofas going for four figures a night. Does the minister recognise that operators can easily make most of the money that they would make in an entire year during such events alone? Therefore, is it in the spirit of the scheme for exemptions to be granted in such circumstances?

As a former female councillor, it is really good to hear about the willingness to look into whether women are making more complaints. Could that work also cover whether women are more often complained about, including where the complaints are found not to be admissible under the code?

That is really helpful, and leads on to my next question. Your annual report refers to one of the cases in which article 10 comes into play. Can we get a bit more information on that situation and whether you believe that the code needs to be rewritten?

The implementation update does not mention the issue of local authorities not feeling able to take action against those applying for alcohol licences in an apparent attempt to avoid being captured by the short-term lets licensing orders, even when it is clear that there is no alcohol being served on the premises. Are you still looking at that problem? Will work be done to ensure that loopholes are closed?

Minister, how do you intend to monitor and review the operation of short-term let licensing in the future? In particular, when can we expect key milestones, such as reports from the expert group and future updates from the Scottish Government?