Minutes: 29 June 2022

1. Town centres and retail(In Private):

The Committee considered the main themes arising from the evidence received during the inquiry, to inform the drafting of its report and agreed that a draft report will be brought to the Committee at a future meeting.

2. Work programme(In Private):

The Committee reviewed existing commitments and considered options for future scrutiny work and agreed: to invite the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland to give evidence; to invite the Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise to give evidence on the two referred legislative consent memorandums in respect of the UK Government’s Procurement Bill and the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill; to hold an expert informal briefing on the macroeconomic climate and outlook; to take pre-budget evidence on women’s contribution to the economy; to write to the Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work seeking an update on the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund and its future development; to hold an evidence session on the cost of living and the impact on businesses and the economy; and have a further work programme discussion after summer recess.

The Committee also agreed to write to the Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise seeking a response to the Committee’s report on Scotland’s Supply Chains.