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Thanks, John.

Dr Boyle, what datasets do we need in order to make sure that there is fairness and balance within this proposal?

There was discussion about whether we should have a national approach to data collection, with a definition of data collection. How on earth would that work for Edinburgh and Glasgow in a way that also works for the Borders and the Western Isles, for example? Surely data collection must be driven by an element of local flexibility. How do we get a balance?

That is really helpful. There is a big issue about what the data sets should look like, how relevant they should be and so on. I am sure that there will be other questions on that as the committee’s business proceeds.

Would the national dataset that we would all like to see help to capture that?

Good morning, everybody. I invite you to say a few words about rent levels in the private rented sector. Traditionally, they are higher—perhaps much higher—than those for social housing.

Deborah Hay has made a few important comments. According to your research, a third of renters live in poverty. They are folk who are at the sharpest end of the cost of living crisis. Can you say a word or two about rent levels, which are, I presume, driving the Government towards this legislation?

Anna Evans specifically mentioned unintended consequences.

Okay. Thanks very much for that.

I have a couple of questions for Ken Gibb and Alex Marsh. Your research urges some caution about making international comparisons in respect of rent controls. You also suggest that we need to challenge and interpret a bit more thoroughly the evidence that is coming forward on rent controls. Will you tell us a little bit about those two issues, please?

It was about non-compliance with the collection of data.

Thank you.

How long should it be?