Seòmar agus comataidhean

We turn to agenda item 4, which is evidence on the new deal with local government that was agreed between the Scottish Government and COSLA and published in June. We are joined again by Joe FitzPatrick, Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning. The minister is supported for this item by Ellen Leaver, deputy director of the local government and analytical services division at the Scottish Government. Councillor Heddle also joins us for this item and is supported this time by Sarah Watters, who is director of membership and resources at COSLA.

Mr FitzPatrick and Councillor Heddle intend to make short opening statements; I invite Mr FitzPatrick to go first, followed by Councillor Heddle. I will then go to questions from members.

Thank you for reminding us about the Covid recovery strategy, which is an important part of the background.

Willie Coffey has some questions.

It is great to hear that the dialogue is much improved. Minister, would you like to come in?

Miles Briggs will ask a range of questions to wrap up the session.

That concludes our questions in what has been a very useful session. It sounds as if it is a case of “So far, so good”—you seem to have a constructive relationship, and the trust is there. That is tremendous, and we look forward to getting updates on how things are going.

I thank everyone who has given evidence today, particularly the minister and Councillor Heddle for staying for such a long meeting. You did well.

At the start of the meeting, we agreed to take the next items on the agenda in private. As that was the last public item, I close the public part of the meeting.

Good morning, and welcome to the 19th meeting in 2023 of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee. I hope that everyone had a great summer.

I remind members and witnesses to ensure that all their devices are on silent and that all other notifications are turned off during the meeting. I apologise: I have a new gadget, and I am not quite sure how to turn off the notifications.

I welcome Pam Gosal, who is a new member of the committee, and invite her to declare any relevant interests.

Our second agenda item is to decide whether to take agenda items 5, 6 and 7 in private. Do members agree to take those items in private?

Members indicated agreement.

Thank you. I am admiring your map backdrop, with the pointer that shows us where you are. Thanks for that orientation.

I bring in Pam Gosal.

We will move on to the more detailed topic of community planning.

Thanks very much. Mr Arthur wants to come in.