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Good morning. I have a specific question about arm’s-length external organisations. For quite some time now, councils and their ALEOs have been under financial strain because of budget pressures, but their situation has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Has the panel carried out any research on the impact of the pandemic on ALEOs? For example, we have seen with Glasgow Life that, sadly, jobs have been cut and venues are set to close. I can imagine the devastating impact that that will have on local communities. That is just one example, but local authorities are now in a very difficult position, so we would be interested to hear your views on that.

Good morning, cabinet secretary. Before I get to my question, I refer members to my entry in the members’ register of interests: I am a councillor in North Lanarkshire Council.

Ring fencing is regularly debated between the Scottish Government and local government, as represented by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. Are there any plans to reduce Scottish Government ring fencing of local government allocations over the next few years?

I have an interest in brownfield sites because they can regenerate areas and help to protect our greenbelt land. What is the Scottish Government doing to support the development of brownfield sites, including support for site mediation and land assembly when sites are in multiple ownership?

I am a councillor on North Lanarkshire Council.