Seòmar agus comataidhean

I want to pick up on some of the issues that have been raised about contract compliance, conditionality and procurement. There was specific mention of non-domestic rates. Of course, there has been quite a lot of discussion in some places about the possibility of using speculation-based land taxes—it is sometimes called an “Amazon tax”, but it would not be just on Amazon—as a way to raise funds. That could be linked to some of the issues that have been raised.

New procurement laws have been passed in England and Wales that have moved away from the European model. Our understanding is that that will mean that councils can put conditions in contracts, for example to buy local. They could also include conditions in relation to some of the employment issues that have been raised. Have you had a chance to look at that? My understanding from speaking with tax and accountancy experts is that some countries use fines to raise funds, whether those are environmental fines or others that relate to some of these issues. Have you had an opportunity to look at those issues? Are you giving any consideration to how we incentivise companies in Scotland to carry out the public policy requirements that we have with regard to terms and conditions of employment?

Thank you.

I would like to ask the question from a different angle: are there any Scottish Government policies that you can point to that are pulling in the wrong or opposite direction?

I think that we will be moving on to issues around procurement and contract compliance later. In terms of the labour market, in some sectors, such as retail manufacturing, we see quite high pay increases, as a percentage. The situation in the public sector is a bit different, but for the employee, of course, it is the whole package that matters, including pay and all the other terms and conditions such as flexible working. To what extent is flexible working part of those negotiations at the moment, and could more be done there?

My understanding is that the bill is a positive piece of legislation but that there has been much criticism that it could be stronger. Either today or perhaps in writing to the committee, can the Scottish Government outline what further changes it thinks need to be made to the bill at Westminster to provide a stronger statutory framework?

I will pick up a point that Marion Davis made. Does the increased focus on parents affect the scale of provision for other groups, such as young people and disabled people, or the way that they are treated?

Keith Robson, do you want to come in?

I do not know whether anybody online has indicated that they want to come in. Obviously, we are particularly interested in child poverty. Being a student can be quite a difficult period, and formal education can be quite a difficult period for parents.

I would like to ask about lifelong learning. What do you think the role of lifelong learning is in addressing child poverty? Is there an overlap with a just transition to net zero and training people for green jobs? Perhaps the witnesses in the room would like to respond first.

Project 12 in the national strategy for economic transformation includes:

“developing a stronger, simplified lifelong learning system, including support targeted at those who need it most.”

To what extent do you expect that low-income parents will be the main focus?

I do not know whether Kenny Anderson wants to come in on that.