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Seòmar agus comataidhean

Official Report: search what was said in Parliament

The Official Report is a written record of public meetings of the Parliament and committees.  

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Dates of parliamentary sessions
  1. Session 1: 12 May 1999 to 31 March 2003
  2. Session 2: 7 May 2003 to 2 April 2007
  3. Session 3: 9 May 2007 to 22 March 2011
  4. Session 4: 11 May 2011 to 23 March 2016
  5. Session 5: 12 May 2016 to 5 May 2021
  6. Current session: 12 May 2021 to 21 December 2024
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Displaying 996 contributions

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Education, Children and Young People Committee

Additional Support for Learning Inquiry

Meeting date: 13 March 2024

Liam Kerr

Megan Farr might have something to add to that. I will ask you a direct question on your—or the commissioner’s—submission, which mentions the independent adjudication process. I am not convinced that that is particularly well used. At the risk of asking a leading set-up, if one wants to avail oneself of that process, one has to apply to the Scottish ministers. Given that, why do you think that independent adjudication is not better used, and how might you change it so that it is?

Education, Children and Young People Committee

Additional Support for Learning Inquiry

Meeting date: 13 March 2024

Liam Kerr

Dr Binnie, I want to press this point, because My Rights, My Say seems to suggest that it is at the local authority’s discretion whether independent adjudication progresses, and that there would be no right of appeal. Is that correct and, if so, does that need to change?

Education, Children and Young People Committee

Additional Support for Learning Inquiry

Meeting date: 13 March 2024

Liam Kerr

I understand. Thank you.

Education, Children and Young People Committee

Additional Support for Learning Inquiry

Meeting date: 13 March 2024

Liam Kerr

Before I bring in Megan Farr on the same point—I will be coming to her on my second question, anyway—will you explain something that I am struggling with from an answer that you gave earlier? You said that Govan Law Centre covers the whole of Scotland, but, presumably, it is based in Govan. How does someone in my area—Aberdeen—who needs representation or support know about your service? How do they access your support if they need it?

Education, Children and Young People Committee

Additional Support for Learning Inquiry

Meeting date: 13 March 2024

Liam Kerr

You may have heard me ask earlier about independent adjudication. The response that I got was that one reason why the process is little used is that local authorities do not let people know about it. No local authority has mentioned that process in the submissions that the committee has received. What do you believe to be the reason that independent adjudication is used infrequently? Would COSLA welcome easier routes for parents and families to challenge local authority decisions?

12:30  

Education, Children and Young People Committee

Additional Support for Learning Inquiry

Meeting date: 6 March 2024

Liam Kerr

Part of that accessibility and participation might involve legal advice and representation. You mentioned in your submission that many young people can get legal advice, but whether they are able to access it is another question. Are you able to help the committee understand the situation? There seems to be a dearth of legal aid lawyers. Are legal aid lawyers available for tribunal processes? In any event, what is the general availability and rough cost of representation if a legally aided lawyer is not available?

Education, Children and Young People Committee

Additional Support for Learning Inquiry

Meeting date: 6 March 2024

Liam Kerr

I am very grateful for that. I think that Stephanie Callaghan might have a question.

Education, Children and Young People Committee

Additional Support for Learning Inquiry

Meeting date: 6 March 2024

Liam Kerr

Who, principally, actions that?

Education, Children and Young People Committee

Additional Support for Learning Inquiry

Meeting date: 6 March 2024

Liam Kerr

I understand. Thank you.

Education, Children and Young People Committee

Additional Support for Learning Inquiry

Meeting date: 6 March 2024

Liam Kerr

You mentioned delay. Can you give us an idea of how long it might take if one wanted to access the service, from putting in the claim, whatever it is, to being heard and receiving a decision?