Minutes: 11 January 2022

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee decided to take items 3 and 4 in private.

2. Budget Scrutiny 2022-23:

The Committee took evidence on the Scottish Government's Budget 2022-23 from—

Johanna Baxter, Head of Local Government, UNISON;

and then from—

Councillor Gail Macgregor, Resources Spokesperson and Eileen Rowand, Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, Fife Council, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) ;

Martin Booth, Executive Director, Finance, Glasgow City Council, SOLACE;

and then from—

Kate Forbes, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, Caroline Dicks, Investment Manager, Ellen Leaver, Deputy Director, Local Government and Analytical Services Division , Catriona MacKean, Head of Better Homes and Ian Storrie, Head of Local Government Finance, Scottish Government.

The following interests were declared—

Paul McLennan declared an interest as a councillor in East Lothian Council.

Elena Whitham declared an interest as a councillor in East Ayrshire Council.

Meghan Gallacher declared an interest as a councillor in North Lanarkshire Council.

 

3. Budget Scrutiny 2022-23:

The Committee considered evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

4. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered a draft report on the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022 and the Town and Country Planning (Short-term Let Control Areas) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022. Various changes were agreed to. The Committee delegated to the Convener responsibility for finalising the draft report for publication.