The Official Report is a written record of public meetings of the Parliament and committees.
All Official Reports of meetings in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament.
All Official Reports of public meetings of committees.
Displaying 903 contributions
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
Meeting date: 8 November 2022
Marie McNair
Absolutely. I am mindful of the fact that I have not brought in Douglas Hendry. Do you want to come in, Douglas?
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
Meeting date: 8 November 2022
Marie McNair
Thank you. I take that on board.
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
Meeting date: 8 November 2022
Marie McNair
The Scottish Government argues that the reason why much of the design is left for later regulations and policy is so that it can be co-designed with people who have lived experience. What are your expectations of co-design of the national care service and what would you especially like to see in that regard, Ewan? I know that you have touched on that a bit already, but is there anything else that you would like to raise?
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
Meeting date: 8 November 2022
Marie McNair
I will direct my first question to Eddie Fraser from SOLACE. What impact could any element of the national care service have on the so-called new deal between the Scottish Government and local government, as detailed in the recent programme for government?
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
Meeting date: 8 November 2022
Marie McNair
That is helpful. Does anyone else want to come in? I know that we are pushed for time, but we can get a few more comments in.
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
Meeting date: 1 November 2022
Marie McNair
Can you answer that, Talat? If not, we can wait until we hear from the next panel.
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
Meeting date: 1 November 2022
Marie McNair
I know from experience that the role of a councillor has changed over the last 19 years, and I know that they deserve a pay rise. There have been many other changes. Can you, for the committee’s benefit, expand on how the roles have changed? Moreover, given the pressures on Scottish Government and local government funding, how should pay rises be funded? Hannah, can you take that question?
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
Meeting date: 1 November 2022
Marie McNair
The culture and working environment in local councils was cited as the reason why some female councillors decided to stand down. Having experienced sexual harassment as a young female councillor and having received no help when I called out my male group leader, I get why some women feel unsupported in that misogynistic environment. That can be a reason why women choose to stand down. What more can the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government do to improve that situation?
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
Meeting date: 1 November 2022
Marie McNair
Good morning, panel. As a former councillor, I understand many of the reasons for women standing down. For a start, a council meeting can sometimes be seven hours long; when I first stood as a councillor back in 2003, council meetings were still going on until 1 o’clock in the morning. It is hardly a family-friendly environment. Do you have other evidence on why women decide to stand down after maybe just one or two terms? Can you explain why that happens?
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
Meeting date: 1 November 2022
Marie McNair
COSLA’s submission highlights the efforts being made to improve the safety of councillors. What evidence is there that female councillors have a particular concern? What more can be done to ensure that councillors feel safe in carrying out their duties? I do not know whether Alexis Camble or Councillor Morrison wants to answer those questions.