Seòmar agus comataidhean

That is the local level. Why is the CCC so resistant to boiler scrappage schemes and scrappage schemes in general? The report really challenges Government, but I wonder why some policy options seem to be off the table. Emily Nurse said earlier that there was some scepticism about scrappage.

Thank you both for those comments.

I will move on to aviation. The Scottish Government has limited powers over aviation, but it does, or will, have some powers over passenger duty and it has powers over planning. How should the Government be tackling aviation right now, particularly in the light of a forthcoming aviation strategy?

Are there any other reflections on the exact actions that the Scottish Government has agreed in relation to budget? What would you expect to see in the years ahead, for example? Other witnesses might want to come in on that.

Peak-time fares on trains are a huge drain on household budgets. Extortionate prices prevent many from choosing rail over the private car, which damages our climate and drives down passenger numbers at a time when they need to build back up. How will the budget deliver fair fares for people while boosting the climate and our newly nationalised ScotRail?

If I were working for your organisation and I saw a private sector body that was paying more, what would encourage me to continue to work for you?

Is there a difference between what you pay your staff and what the private sector bodies that are delivering similar work pay their staff? How are you managing that? You have spoken about the negotiation with union colleagues during which 10 per cent was put on the table, and I am interested in the other ways in which you are supporting retention and making employment with you an attractive proposition compared to working for a private body.

I understand how ways of working might change but, to put it bluntly, is there a case for looking at smaller, cheaper, different locations outside Edinburgh? I do not know.

Quality is key, as well as customer satisfaction and client satisfaction.

I understand. I will move neatly on to the impact of Covid. There has been a delay in auditing work. Can you give an assessment of where you are as an organisation in catching up on that? It would also be useful if you could talk about clarity in Covid funding as well.

That sounds attractive and, for anybody wanting a career where they can make a difference on those key issues—inequalities, climate and improving society—that is great, but is there not a challenge inherent in your blended model of both in-house and private sector delivery? Someone could be doing the work in the private sector and potentially be getting better pay for it. I am being devil’s advocate here.