Minutes: 04 March 2025

1. Decisions on taking business in private:

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

2. Council Tax Inquiry:

The Committee took evidence from—

Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, supported by David Storrie, Head of Local Taxation Policy, Ellen Leaver, Acting Director for Local Government Scottish Government;

Cllr Katie Hagmann, Resources Spokesperson and Mirren Kelly, Chief Officer, Local Government Finance, COSLA.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instruments—

Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Saving Provision) (Scotland) Regulations 2025

Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The Committee agreed to make no recommendations in relation to the instruments. 

4. Council Tax Inquiry (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

5. Scrutiny of the Scottish Housing Regulator (in private):

The Committee considered draft correspondence to the Scottish Housing Regulator. The Committee agreed to consider a revised draft at a future meeting.