Minutes: 04 October 2023

1. Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence on parts 1 to 3 of the Bill at Stage 1 from—

Ann Marie Cocozza, Co-Founder, FAMS (Families and Friends Affected by Murder and Suicide);

Sandy Brindley, Chief Executive, Rape Crisis Scotland;

Dr Marsha Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Women's Aid;

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, Victim Support Scotland;

and then from—

Dr Louise Hill, Head of Policy, Evidence and Impact, Children 1st;

Bill Scott, Senior Policy Adviser, Inclusion Scotland;

Graham O'Neill, Policy Manager, Scottish Refugee Council.

2. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instruments—

Police Pensions (Remediable Service) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/239)

Firefighters’ Pensions (Remediable Service) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/242)

The Committee agreed to make no recommendations in relation to the instruments.

3. Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 1. The Committee agreed to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs.