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The revised draft NPF4 contains numerous references to the infrastructure-first approach. Is that being delivered in practice? If not, what needs to change?

Good morning, panel. It is good to see you at the committee.

Are you satisfied that terms such as “community wealth building” and “20-minute neighbourhoods” are now sufficiently well defined and understood to provide a robust basis for planning decision making?

I share that concern. Will Robbie Calvert share his thoughts on that?

Thank you, minister. I appreciate your clarity.

That is helpful. I had been going to ask you to clarify the issue of staff transfers, about which concerns have been raised, but you have clearly addressed that. I really appreciate your clarity on that, which I think gives reassurance to the 75,000 council staff members who have been mentioned.

The committee is committed to exploring the barriers to standing for local office. I think that it was Eddie Fraser from East Ayrshire Council who told the committee that the removal of social care from councils would influence whether people would be likely to stand in local elections. How do you feel about that? Can you expand on that?

Good morning, minister. Audit Scotland and other organisations have asked in their submissions how the bill is consistent with other Scottish Government priorities, such as compliance with the European Charter of Local Self-Government, community empowerment and the local governance review. Would you like to comment on that?

Good morning. Most of the questions that I was going to ask have been covered, and I appreciate the answers that have been given.

Last week, the witness from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, the organisation for directors of finance, highlighted issues relating to pensions, and the Unison submission highlighted concerns that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 do not guarantee the maintenance of existing pension arrangements. Can anyone comment further on that?

Thank you.

Good morning, Karen. I give you my condolences for the sad loss of your partner in such horrific circumstances. You previously raised the issue of risk assessments, which you felt were not adequate. Are you aware of any improvements in that area since you last gave evidence on it?

Good morning, convener. I have no interests to declare.