Seòmar agus comataidhean

Would anyone else like to comment?

In the previous evidence session, we heard from Robbie Pearson about collaborative leadership, which paragraph 80 of the memorandum on amendments discusses. At the committee’s meeting last week, we heard that the bill is unique in uniting most of civic Scotland against it, and we have also heard that COSLA is looking to withdraw its support from the bill. The idea of collaborative leadership seems to have completely gone.

Given that that has happened, do you feel that the bill is dead in the water? I use those words on purpose, because we should not be scared of governmental special advisers—spads—not liking language that is used in committee. Is the bill dead in the water if there is a lack of collaborative leadership from most of civic Scotland?

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities has decided that it is no longer in favour of the bill. Given the lack of support from one of the most important partners, it seems to me that the bill is dead in the water. COSLA has not come before the committee yet, but, if we are to believe that it has withdrawn its support for the bill and does not agree to it, do you, as chief executives and chief officers, believe that the bill can deliver what is intended, or do you agree that it is dead in the water?

From your reading of the bill as it stands, Edith, are you confident that it will improve the working lives of the people who work on the front line of care?

Forgive me, but I asked about your reading of the bill. As it is written right now, is that what you think will happen?

I am sorry, but that did not answer my question in any way.

Would anyone else like to comment?

Could we provide the right to independent living right now, without the bill?

Does anyone else have an opinion?

No? Okay.

Given that the bill is a framework bill and that we do not have details of how it will actually come into effect, does it represent the best way of delivering for carers and for people who receive care? Do you think that there might be another, simpler, way of doing that, which gives people clarity? I am directly asking for a lawyer’s opinion on that, if that is okay.