Seòmar agus comataidhean

I am grateful for that. My penultimate question relates to the letter that we have received from the UK Government, which again goes to the heart of the commission’s independence. The Minister for Equalities was unable to attend this meeting in person—I understand that there was a diary clash. Her letter says:

“To improve the parliamentary accountability of the Electoral Commission, the Bill makes provision for a Strategy and Policy Statement”—

which we have just discussed—

“that will set out guidance and principles, which the Commission will have to have regard to in the discharge of its functions.”

There are significant assertions in the UK Government’s evidence about the importance of the Electoral Commission’s independence, but I have concern about the phrase “will have”. Its use means that the strategy and policy statement will bind the commission; therefore, the matter of its independence is pertinent to today’s scrutiny. What are your comments on that?

Agenda item 2 is another decision on taking business in private. Does the committee agree that its consideration of complaint reports from the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland will be taken in private at future meetings?

Members indicated agreement.

Bob Doris also asked about ensuring that the very minimum expectations—I am choosing my words carefully here—apply across the whole of Scotland to ensure that we do not have, in essence, a constituency lottery.

As we mentioned digital imprints only a few moments ago, I will pass over to Paul McLennan, who has some questions on that issue. I think that there are follow-up questions on that as well.

I am grateful. The committee does not endorse YouTube. We are not reflecting on that—that was from the minister.

Edward Mountain will now deal with postal, proxy and overseas voting changes.

I will ask about accessibility to polls. In the LCM, the Scottish Government states that it

“agrees that there is a need to improve the law in this area and intends to make a full assessment of possible improvements for devolved elections in order to bring forward its own changes”

for the forthcoming one.

We have had evidence about tactile voting devices. Many people, when they read about those on paper, imagine something terribly sophisticated when, in fact, they are not. However, they are also not particularly successful. I am not trying to force anything into the consultation and certainly not trying to dictate anything, but will you ensure that the range of people and groups that you consult will be broad enough to address the full challenges that disabled users face going into a polling station?

I am very grateful for that. I think that Bob Doris wants to ask a question.

We can.

Edward, let the minister answer, and I will then come to you. I appreciate your frustration.

We can hear your lovely tones coming down the line. We can therefore return to the regulation of expenditure for political purposes, on which I understand you have a follow-up question. I will then hand over to you to ask about notional expenditure.