Minutes: 09 January 2024

1. Budget Scrutiny 2024-25:

The Committee took evidence from—

João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute;

Chris Birt, Associate Director for Scotland, Joseph Rowntree Foundation;

Professor David Bell, Professor of Economics, University of Stirling;

and then from—

Richard Robinson, Senior Manager, Performance Audit and Best Value, Audit Scotland;

Dr Jenny Peachey, Senior Policy Advocate, Carnegie UK;

Shona Struthers, Chief Executive Officer, Colleges Scotland;

Stacey Dingwall, Head of Policy and External Affairs (Scotland), Federation of Small Businesses;

Martin Booth, Executive Director of Finance, Glasgow City Council;

Keir Greenaway, Senior Organiser for Public Services, GMB Scotland;

Francesca Osowska, Chief Executive, NatureScot;

Kirsten Hogg, Head of Policy and Research, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.

During agenda item 1, Jamie Halcro Johnston declared an interest as a farmer.