Minutes: 29 March 2022

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 3 and 5 in private and to consider draft reports on the Non-Domestic Rates (Coronavirus) (Scotland) Bill and the Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill in private at its next meeting.

2. Annual Report of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman:

The Committee took evidence from—

Rosemary Agnew, Ombudsman, Niki Maclean, Director and Andrew Sheridan, Head of Improvement, Standards and Engagement, Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.

The following interests were declared—

Meghan Gallacher as a councillor in North Lanarkshire Council.

Paul McLennan as a councillor in East Lothian Council.

3. Annual Report of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

4. National Planning Framework 4 (In Private):

The Committee agreed its report.

5. Work programme (In Private):

The Committee agreed its work programme.