Seòmar agus comataidhean

Thank you. If no other member wishes to speak to the amendments, I call the minister.

Thank you very much.

Just to come back to the question, can we start to move forward on a database?

Thanks. I will continue on a connected theme. The first time that I heard about it was in a session on cladding. It is the idea of a building MOT, which would be some kind of regular check on buildings to make sure of maintenance and safety. What is the Government’s view on the possible introduction of that type of work?

I return to the issue of the action to reduce emissions in existing homes resulting in negative consequences. Specifically, the situation in my region is that, under UK-wide schemes for internal insulation, panels have been incorrectly installed, which is leading to damp and mould. What can you do about that? The problem concerns private home owners and the people living in those houses; it is not just about rented accommodation. What can you do to support private owners, as well as those in the social rented sector, in understanding how to install insulation? We are trying to tackle one issue—emissions—but there are consequences that are causing huge health issues.

Do you have a timescale for that? Will it be the autumn?

That would be appreciated. I have had conversations with people who talk about the idea that communities need to be in the lead because they live in the place. Local authorities facilitate and support their involvement, and then developers come in to deliver on the community’s vision. At the moment, we have it the other way round, so we end up with sprawl on the edge of towns and a lack of transport networks. Things are going in the opposite direction to which we really need to be going. Yes, there might be a shop, but where are the places for people to come together and for the community? Another aspect of placemaking is the active travel networks that we are keen on being delivered through the national planning framework. It is good to hear that you are aware of those things and are keen to support them so that placemaking happens.

Thanks very much for those useful questions and responses. I call Stephanie Callaghan.

It is reassuring to hear you say that developers should be looking at local place plans, because that will help us to get that sense of place. It will be interesting to see how things develop in the years to come.

I thank the minister for what has been a long but useful and thorough session in our first meeting after the recess.

As we agreed at the start of the meeting to take the next three agenda items in private, I now close the public part of the meeting.

Good morning, and welcome to the 11th meeting in 2024 of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee. I remind all members and witnesses to ensure that their devices are in silent mode.

We have received apologies from Willie Coffey and Gordon MacDonald. Colin Beattie is attending the meeting as a Scottish National Party substitute member. I welcome Colin to the meeting and invite him to declare any relevant interests.