Seòmar agus comataidhean

Good morning, cabinet secretary and officials. The Deputy First Minister’s budget statement confirmed that councils will have full flexibility to set the council tax rate that is appropriate to their local area. Was any consideration given to negotiating a council tax freeze again this year? What level of increase does the Scottish Government expect in council tax rates next year?

Thank you. I appreciate your comments.

Good morning, minister and panel. During its inquiry, the committee got a chance to get out and meet organisations and individuals who are making a real difference in their local communities and who are passionate about the importance of food growing. We recommended that this be harnessed into a national forum to drive improvement. How soon will the Scottish Government reach a decision on the creation of such a forum?

Good morning. The committee is keen to continue to explore the possible barriers to people taking up local elected office. Is there any evidence that the complaints system in Scotland is deterring people from standing or standing again for local elected office? What impact does the process have on councillors who are being investigated, and is support in place to help councillors during the process? Is there evidence of vexatious complaints being made and, if so, what more can be done to discourage those?

I asked about the percentage of complaints that relate to interactions on social media. If you do not have that figure to hand, can you forward it to the committee? That would be helpful.

Good morning, panel, and happy new year. I will ask about how the standards and complaints system in Scotland compares with the systems in other parts of the UK and in countries around the world. Which systems are examples of best practice, and what can Scotland learn from them?

What impact has the growth of social media had on the standards of public life? The committee has heard that toxic online behaviour can be a barrier to people considering standing for local election. What are the commission’s insights in that area? Did the move to online council and committee meetings during the Covid-19 pandemic have any impact on conduct and behaviour?

As an ex-councillor, I can tell you how toxic council chambers can be at times. The behaviour of some folk is appalling.

Of the 330 complaints that were received about councillors and board members in 2021-22, 99 were complaints about disrespect towards employees or the public. Will you provide more information on that figure and on the definition of “disrespect”? What percentage of complaints relates to interactions on social media?

How might a rent freeze or a capped rent increase for social landlords impact your regulatory approach?

As you know, the Scottish Government will announce its approach to social sector rents for 2023-24 by mid-January. That will include whether rents will be frozen or increases limited. What impact might a rent freeze or a cap on rent increases have on social landlords’ business plans and on their responsibilities to their tenants?