Skip to main content

Language: English / Gàidhlig

Loading…

Chamber and committees

Learn about committees

Everything you need to know about committees

Contents


What is a committee?

Committees are small groups of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) who look at specific subjects such as health, education and justice. Committees can have as few as 3 or as many as 15 members. Committee members come from different political parties. The number of committee members from each party depends on how many seats that party has in Parliament.

Committees:

  • hold the Scottish Government to account
  • hold inquiries
  • examine bills (proposed laws) and decide on amendments (changes)
  • introduce their own bills
  • consider petitions suggested by the public

Committees have a remit which says what areas they are responsible for. Committees can look at anything in their remit.