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From our perspective, or from the public’s perspective, although there is evidence that people who are given short sentences are twice as likely to be reconvicted, that does not seem to be reflected in the number of community disposals that are being given. Is there an imbalance that should be explored further with the judiciary?

Lady Dorrian has referred to legislative barriers to the imposition of community-based sentences. The legislation is there. Where are the barriers?

I have a query about the compatibility of our digital platforms with other jurisdictions’ systems. We have heard stories from here, there and everywhere that when people have moved from country to country the digital apps are not compatible. Are we largely ironing that out, or are there still issues to resolve?

I have just a few, convener.

Were lower rates of vaccination among certain age groups and certain communities attributable to digital access issues, or are there different reasons for lower numbers of people in those age groups and communities coming forward for vaccination?

Are those barriers preventing us from imposing community-based sentences and forcing us to have custodial sentences?

Good morning. I want to start the discussion about the judiciary’s response to the whole situation by asking whether you think that they are keeping pace with the changes that are occurring. From the data that we have, it seems that someone who has previously had a custodial sentence is twice as likely to be reconvicted as someone who has had a community disposal. That is not reflected in the numbers and percentages of community disposals that we are seeing. Therefore, the question that we are interested in is whether the judiciary are keeping pace with the changes.

In this morning’s press release from the Scottish Sentencing Council, Lady Dorrian cites a number of key themes, including greater consistency and resource constraints. She also talks about legislative barriers and, importantly, the public’s perception, which is that there is a problem with confidence in community disposals. What do you think that the potential barriers might be to the judiciary catching up with the process?

Thank you, convener, and good morning, panel. I hope that you can hear me okay, as I have had to switch devices during this evidence session to be able to connect with you. Do the panel members think that the MCC process in general gives us the most effective mechanism to target the support that is needed? We heard just a minute ago from Stuart Mackinnon that only a fifth of small businesses appeal their valuations. I am aware that, back in March, the UK Government announced a £1.5 billion relief scheme that it says will enable local government to target properly the small businesses and other businesses that need the most support. I do not think that that money has been made available yet, but do the witnesses think that that approach is better than the broader MCC appeal process? I ask Stuart Mackinnon to answer that first.

Thank you. Will the other panel members give their view on that?

I was just thanking the witnesses for answering that question.

Thank you, Colin.