Minutes: 06 February 2024

1. Decisions on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 6 and 7 in private.

2. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the Community Care (Personal Care and Nursing Care) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2024 [draft] from—

Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Marianne Barker, Unit Head, Adult Social Care Charging and Support from Home, and Clare Thomas, Policy Manager, Adult Social Care Charging and Support from Home, Scottish Government.

3. Subordinate legislation:

Maree Todd (Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport) moved—

S6M-11853—That the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee recommends that the Community Care (Personal Care and Nursing Care) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2024 [draft] be approved.

After debate, the motion was agreed to.

4. Post-legislative scrutiny: Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012:

The Committee took evidence from—

Alison Douglas, Chief Executive, Alcohol Focus Scotland;

Dr Alastair MacGilchrist, Chair, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP);

Tracey McFall, Chief Executive, Scottish Recovery Consortium;

Justina Murray, CEO, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs;

and then from—

Dr Pete Cheema OBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Grocers Federation;

Paul Waterson, Honorary President and former CEO, Scottish Licensed Trade Association;

Bob Price, Director and Policy Advisor, National Association of Cider Makers;

David Richardson, Regulatory and Commercial Affairs Director, The Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

Emma Harper declared an interest as a registered nurse and as a former liver transplant nurse.

Sandesh Gulhane declared an interest as a practising NHS GP.

Clare Haughey declared an interest as a registered nurse and as holding a bank nurse contract with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

5. National Care Service (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee finalised most of the draft report, and agreed to further consider the concluding paragraphs at its meeting on 20 February. 

6. Post-legislative scrutiny: Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Act 2012 (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 4.

7. Healthcare in remote and rural areas (in private):

The Committee further considered its approach to the inquiry.