Minutes: 07 February 2023

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 6, 7 and 8 in private.

2. Instruments subject to affirmative procedure:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Amendment Order 2023 (SSI 2023/Draft)
National Bus Travel Concession Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Order 2023(SSI 2023/Draft) 
Alcoholic Beverages, Fruit and Vegetables (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/Draft)
Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 (Amendment of Expiry Dates and Rent Cap Modification) Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/Draft)

Carol Mochan declared an interest as a registered landlord with rented property, in connection with the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 (Amendment of Expiry Dates and Rent Cap Modification) Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/Draft). 

3. Instruments subject to negative procedure:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Independent Child Trafficking Guardians) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/18)
National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/19)
National Assistance (Sums for Personal Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/20)
Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/21)

4. Instruments not subject to any parliamentary procedure:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015 (Commencement No. 5) Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/17)

5. Evidence session with the Minister for Parliamentary Business:

The Committee took evidence from—

George Adam, Minister for Parliamentary Business, Rachel Rayner ,Deputy Legislation Co-ordinator, Scottish Government Legal Directorate and Susan Herbert,Head of Subordinate Legislation Team, Parliament and Legislation Unit, Scottish Government.

6. Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered the Scottish Government's response to points raised on the delegated powers provisions in this Bill at Stage 1. The Committee agreed to report to the lead Committee on the Bill, the Social Justice and Social Security Committee.

7. Energy Bill (UK Parliament legislation) (in private):

The Committee considered responses from the Scottish Government and the UK Government on the powers to make subordinate legislation conferred on UK Ministers and Scottish Ministers in devolved areas in the Energy Bill (UK Parliament legislation). The Committee also considered a Supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum recently lodged in relation to the Bill. The Committee agreed to report to the lead Committee on the Bill, the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee.

8. Evidence session with the Minister for Parliamentary Business (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier in the meeting and agreed to write a follow-up letter to the Minister.