Minutes: 06 November 2024

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 4 in private.

2. Pre-Budget Scrutiny:

The Committee took evidence as part of its Pre-Budget Scrutiny from—

Malcolm Graham, Chief Executive, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service;

John Logue, Crown Agent, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service;

and then from—

Teresa Medhurst, Chief Executive, Linda Pollock, Deputy Chief Executive and Gerry O'Donnell, Director of Finance, Scottish Prison Service.

Liam Kerr declared an interest as a practising solicitor and indicated he appears in employment tribunals from time to time.

3. National Outcomes:

The Committee considered a note by the clerk. The Committee agreed to note the revisions to the Scottish Government's national performance framework and national outcomes.

4. Pre-Budget Scrutiny (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.

5. Work programme (In Private):

The Committee considered its work programme. The Committee agreed to invite the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs and certain key stakeholders to give evidence on the proposed changes to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill ahead of Stage 2.