Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee
Minutes: 03 October 2023
Tuesday, 03 October 2023
19th Meeting, 2023
Minutes
1. Declaration of interests:
Kevin Stewart was invited to declare any relevant interests. No such interests were declared.
2. Subordinate legislation:
The Committee took evidence on the Legal Aid and Advice and Assistance (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) (No. 4) Regulations 2023 [draft] from—
Siobhian Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Shona Urquhart, Legal Aid Policy Lead and Martin Brown, Solicitor, Legal Directorate, Scottish Government.
3. Subordinate legislation:
Siobhian Brown (Minister for Victims and Community Safety) moved—S6M-10545—That the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee recommends that the Legal Aid and Advice and Assistance (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) (No. 4) Regulations 2023 [draft] be approved.
4. Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill:
The Committee took evidence from—
Vicky Crichton, Secretariat, Scottish Legal Complaints Commission Consumer Panel;
Sharon Horwitz, Legal Director, Competition and Markets Authority;
Tracey Reilly, Head of Consumer Markets, Consumer Scotland;
Dr Marsha Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Women's Aid.
5. Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill (In Private):
The Committee considered the evidence it heard under agenda item 4 and related correspondence from the Minister for Victims and Community Safety. The Committee agreed to write to the Minister for Victims and Community Safety.