Seòmar agus comataidhean

To follow on, we are talking about tiny potential numbers, but the costs that fall on a local authority for a by-election are quite high. Would it not be possible—not necessarily through the bill, but as a piece of open evidence—for the Government to undertake to consider giving financial support to local authorities in that very particular circumstance, which, as you say, is unlikely to occur? Because it is so unlikely to occur, it could cause financial challenges for a local authority if it comes about.

So, if it occurs, a reasonable request would not be unreasonably refused. Could we phrase it like that?

That is excellent. There being no further questions, I thank you, minister, and those who have attended with you for your evidence. The committee will consider the matter later.

Item 3 is consideration of an application for recognition from the proposed cross-party group on the wood panel industry. I welcome Fergus Ewing, the proposed convener of the CPG, if it is granted accreditation. I hand over to Fergus to introduce the CPG.

One of the challenges, which I raise in relation to this bill, is that it is obviously more likely that that position would become apparent post an election result. Although we are talking about a very small number of individuals, the bill gives them the right to stand under certain circumstances, so it is about whether that process should be looked at beforehand or whether you are reassured and confident that that review can wait until further down the line.

I am not sure that we are asking. We have merely pointed out areas of consultation or data that might be useful.

I seek clarity on one point. Am I right in saying that the bill relates purely to Scottish local government elections and in no way affects national elections?

Thank you for that confirmation.

Absolutely, but that is why it might be helpful to examine the matter. It is a very unlikely event but, if it occurs, the reason why someone was a candidate at one stage but subsequently could not be one might rest completely outwith the local authority. I am grateful for your answer.

I have one last question, which comes out of the evidence that we have heard and relates to the policy memorandum for the bill. Towards the end of the various certifications that are made in the memorandum, there is one that relates to island communities, which states that

“no disproportionate effect on island communities”

is envisaged.

My question relates to what we have heard in respect of the data. Are you confident with that reassurance, given the different level of confidence that exists about how far the measure extends and whom it captures? Some island communities have been incredibly open to people moving to them from not just across the United Kingdom but across the European Union. Are you confident that that statement is still correct?

Good morning, and welcome to the seventh meeting in 2022 of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee. I remind members who are participating virtually to put an R in the chat function on BlueJeans if they would like to speak on any issue.

Agenda item 1 is a decision on whether to take items 5 and 6 in private. Item 5 is on correspondence that we have received from the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee, and item 6 is consideration of our approach to the report from the citizens assembly of Scotland. Do members agree to take those items in private?

Members indicated agreement.

Item 2 is evidence on the Scottish Local Government Elections (Candidacy Rights of Foreign Nationals) Bill. We are joined by George Adam, the Minister for Parliamentary Business; Iain Hockenhull, the elections bill team leader; and David Maclennan, who is a solicitor for the Government. I welcome you all and invite the minister to make a short opening statement.