Minutes: 23 May 2023

1. Decision on taking business in private:

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

2. The role of local government and its cross-sectoral partners in financing and delivering a net-zero Scotland:

The Committee took evidence from—

Cllr Gail Macgregor, Environment and Economy Spokesperson, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and Leader, Dumfries and Galloway Council;

David Hammond, Representative of Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (Solace) and Head of Sustainability, Corporate Property and Transport, North Ayrshire Council;

Silke Isbrand, Policy Manager, Environment and Economy Team, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA);

George Tarvit, Director, Sustainable Scotland Network.

Jackie Dunbar declared an interest as a former Councillor for Aberdeen City Council.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instrument—

Heat Networks (Heat Network Zones and Building Assessment Reports) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/123)

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

4. The role of local government and its cross-sectoral partners in financing and delivering a net-zero Scotland (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.

5. Annual report (in private):

The Committee considered a draft annual report for the Parliamentary year from 13 May 2022 to 12 May 2023.

One change was agreed to. The Committee agreed to delegate to the Convener responsibility for finalising the draft report for publication.