Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests. I am a sitting councillor at North Lanarkshire Council.

My first question relates to the consultation process. Stakeholders have expressed the view that there has been insufficient consultation on the order. A panel member in a previous evidence session said that what is proposed has come as a surprise to businesses and that they believe that there has not been sufficient opportunity to engage in the process. What are your views on that?

I do not see anyone indicating in the chat bar that they want to come in. Does Martin Clarkson have any additional comments to make?

If time allows, convener, I will ask a quick follow-up question. Is that okay?

On the back of the answers that the witnesses have just given, I am interested in whether they believe that the requirement for the Scottish Government to compensate local authorities for a reduction in non-domestic rates income is an effective use of public funds.

Thank you.

Good morning. I will touch on issues relating to local authority revenue. What specific issues might arise for local government finances—now and in the future—if there was a significant reduction in non-domestic rates income as a result of successful appeals?

Thank you. That is useful in allowing us to understand the effectiveness of the appeals process.

My second question has been addressed by both the answers that have been given. If there are no other comments, I am happy to hand back over to the convener.

Good morning. I declare an interest as a serving councillor on North Lanarkshire Council.

I will touch on local authority revenues, which David Magor and others have mentioned already. Would allowing for appeals that would reduce non-domestic rates income and require the Scottish Government to compensate local authorities be an effective use of public funds?

Good morning, Deputy First Minister. What are your views on the balance between those local authority budgets that are ring fenced and those that are not? You touched on that point earlier. In addition, do you have comments on the combination of a reduced budget settlement and ring fencing, and the impact that that combination could have on the ability of councils to make local decisions that benefit their communities?