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What lessons has the commission learned during the Covid-19 pandemic? How have you changed your ways of working?

Thank you.

That is helpful. That issue has been raised with me and probably with other members. Many councillors feel that they cannot have those conversations and are concerned that, even after the revisions, there may be complaints if they try to engage with members of the public.

That is helpful. I have not seen those cards. Could you share them with the committee?

That is helpful. It would be helpful for our oversight role if you could provide us with updates about when plans are being implemented.

Thank you for joining us. I have two questions. I have had conversations with councillors about their inability to talk with members of the public about planning applications. Councillors find that incredibly challenging and members of the public do not like it. What is your view of potential reform of that situation? How many complaints relate to that kind of conversation, or to breaches of those rules?

Good morning, and thank you for joining us. Directions to the ethical standards commissioner were issued during 2020-21. Will you explain in more detail what impact those directions have had and talk about their on-going application?

We have covered a lot of these questions, but I want to revert back to a point about financial management. Where do you think that the Scottish Government is in developing that? Graeme Roy, you spoke about “the funding gap” and hinted at what you thought about the use of that phrase. Where is the Scottish Government when it comes to managing that?

That is helpful. Thank you. On that point, how have you taken forward the signposting towards the VoiceAbility advocacy service, specifically for non-verbal clients, since we last met? There was a lot of talk about recruitment of the required individuals.

That is helpful.