Minutes: 18 November 2021

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 4 in private.

2. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed that its consideration of evidence heard, and its draft report, on the Elections Bill should be taken in private at future meetings.

3. Elections Bill (UK Parliament legislation):

The Committee took evidence on legislative consent memorandum LCM(S6) 8 from—

Louise Edwards, Director of Regulation , Electoral Commission, Scotland;

Chris Highcock, Elections Manger and Secretary, Electoral Management Board for Scotland;

Dr Alistair Clark, Reader in Politics, Newcastle University;

Pete Wildman, Chair, Electoral Registration Committee, Scottish Assessors Association;

and then from—

Jess Garland, Director of Research, Electoral Reform Society;

Ethan Young, Civic Participation Manager, Inclusion Scotland;

Dr Catriona Burness, Parliamentary and Policy Manager , RNIB Scotland.

Paul McLennan declared an interest that he is a serving Councillor.

4. Elections Bill (UK Parliament legislation) (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.