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It has been very useful to have you come and give the committee this update, minister.

To reference the information that we have received, the concerns that people had were specifically about air quality and the knock-on effect when it comes to what people can endure if they live in proximity to somewhere that has such issues.

As you have identified, the small number of wood-burning stoves would contribute minimally to the air quality difficulties that people might be concerned about. Many of the concerns have been about the knock-on effect on people’s health. However, you have explained very concisely that that would not necessarily be the case. That is the message that I am receiving from you. Could you reiterate whether that is the case?

My question is for Mr Bain. The fact that the UK Government is now talking about a reset suggests that there could be opportunities in the future. It would be useful to get a flavour of whether you see such a reset as a positive development as far as our ability to continue to trade is concerned, and whether it could unlock the provision of more services in some sectors. Over several months, the committee has taken evidence from individuals, organisations and sectors that have told us about various difficulties. Others have told us how they have developed, progressed, changed and adapted to ensure that trade continues to flow. Could you give us an indication of how you see the whole reset happening and how it might change things?

We have heard that loud and clear from some of those sectors, which have given evidence to the committee about the qualifications, the difficulties that they have and how they are having to adapt or circumvent issues in some ways. Given your trade obligations, what are your real asks as part of the reset?

People who are residing in some of these buildings are anxious and in fear. We know that a large number of them that require support, and that the cladding still needs to be removed. What contracts has the Scottish Government agreed with professional services companies and cladding contractors to deliver the cladding remediation programme now that legislation and standards are in place? There needs to be a step change to ensure that we can deliver on the work.

Daily, individuals are anxious about and in fear of what could happen to the building that they are living in. We need, and they need, to see a step change on delivery. As far as I can see, things have stalled to some extent. That is not helping to allay their fears and anxiety in any way, shape or form.

Was anything else considered when you were looking at enforcement?

Good morning. Accountability Scotland has argued that the SPSO is “a toothless tiger” and that you are not able to get much out of public bodies. When you ask questions, they do not always answer all the questions that you pose to them. How would you respond to Accountability Scotland’s interpretation? Do you agree that the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 needs to be changed to allow you to exert a degree of compulsion on public bodies?

If convicted, the relevant fine is level 3 on the standard scale, which is about £1,000. Previous private rented housing legislation has increased criminal penalties to encourage compliance. For example, the fine for acting as an unregistered landlord was increased from level 5 on the standard scale to £50,000 in 2011. Is the fine high enough to act as an effective deterrent to such practices, and were other enforcement options considered?

Two weeks ago, Professor Gill indicated that although NHS boards will accept and act on some of your recommendations, they will do so only, as he put it,

“in a rather minimalist and grudging fashion.”—[Official Report, Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, 26 November; c 4.]

Once again, that is the perception of another individual, but what is your assessment of that? Does the same go for local authorities? What needs to change so that public bodies are more receptive to criticism and open to ideas for improvement?

Minister, the Scottish Government has allocated £41.3 million for cladding remuneration. There is a vast difference between the amount that has been allocated and the amount that has been spent. In quarter 2, only £1.16 million was spent. Why is there such an underspend? How have things been allowed to get to this stage? What will happen to any underspend?

As you have identified, the possibilities of what can be achieved open up. As you have indicated, other countries may try to support or acquire or entice to do other things across the world. We know that the world has become a smaller place and that trade and opportunities have blossomed in some locations but declined in others. If we are to understand the complexities that we have found in this whole process, it is about trying to capture and manage that going forward. For me, it is about what you can achieve and where you can go but, at the same time, what should we try to do to alleviate and to support, so that we can attract people and try to manage some of the difficulties that you all experience? Your organisations still operate and progress, but they do things differently to how they did them in the past. What do you want for the future and where do you want things to develop? Where do you see opportunities for each and every one of your sectors to progress? Is there anything on that level that you can add?