Minutes: 26 November 2024

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 4 and 5 in private.

2. Scrutiny of Scottish Public Services Ombudsman:

The Committee took evidence from—

Professor Chris Gill, Professor of Socio-Legal Studies and Professor Tom Mullen, Professor of Law, University of Glasgow;

and then from—

Fiona Collie, Head of Public Affairs and Communications, Carers Scotland;

Jan Savage, Executive Director, Scottish Human Rights Commission;

Peter Stewart-Blacker, Chairman and Paul Blaker, Member, Accountability Scotland;

Adam Stachura, Associate Director for Policy, Communications and External Affairs, Age Scotland.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instrument— Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2024

The Committee agreed not to make any recommendations in relation to the above instrument.

4. Scrutiny of Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

5. Ministerial Statement on the Housing Planning Hub (in private):

The Committee considered the Minister for Public Finance’s statement to Parliament on 12 November on the launch of a new housing planning hub and agreed to write to the Minister for further information.