Letter from the Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee to subject committee conveners, 15 September 2021
Dear Convener
As the Scottish Government prepares its budget for 2022/23, it is clear we are still in a period of substantial change and uncertainty, with a higher risk of unequal and unintended consequences. As such, it is arguably more important than ever that the Parliament considers the effects of the forthcoming budget on equalities and human rights.
As you will be aware the budget guidance from the Finance and Public Administration Committee says that “It is vital that the link between equality and budgetary considerations is maintained under the new budget scrutiny process”, and indeed that for example “parliamentary committees should undertake public engagement on policy priorities and equalities issues, within their remit, prior to the publication of, and in order to inform, the Scottish Government’s budget”.
This year the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee has a focus on human rights budgeting in its pre-budget scrutiny (read our Pre-Budget 2022/23 call for views here). The Committee would therefore encourage other committees to consider the implications for equalities and human rights on their own subjects, as part of their pre-budget scrutiny.
With best wishes.
Yours sincerely,
Joe FitzPatrick
Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee