Minutes: 23 November 2021

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 6 in private.

2. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the Scottish Dog Control Database Order 2021 from—

Ash Regan, Minister for Community Safety, Jim Wilson,Licensing Team Leader and Louise Miller,Solicitor, Scottish Government .

3. Subordinate legislation:

Ash Regan, Minister for Community Safety, moved—

S6M-01888—That the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee recommends the Scottish Dog Control Database Order 2021 be approved. 

The motion was agreed to.

4. Understanding Barriers to Local Elected Office:

The Committee took evidence from—

Sarah Gadsen, Chief Executive, Improvement Service;

Councillor Alison Evison, President and Alexis Camble,Policy and Participation Officer, Equalities, COSLA ;

Laura Hutchison, Principal, Compliance Team Scotland, Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland;

and then from—

Councillor Soryia  Siddique, Councillor, Elect Her;

Jessie Duncan, Development Officer, Engender;

Alys Mumford, Steering Group Member and Chair , Women 50:50;

Ethan Young, Civic Participation Manager, Inclusion Scotland;

Councillor Junaid Ashraf, Community Engagement Officer, Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Organisations Scotland ;

and then from—

Councillor Kelly Parry, Local Government Convener, Scottish National Party;

Councillor Louise McAllister, Ellon and District;

Roslyn MacPherson, former council candidate in the Western Isles;

Sheila Ritchie, Convener, Scottish Liberal Democrats;

James Kelly, General Secretary, Scottish Labour Party;

Councillor Cameron Rose, Southside/Newington.

Paul McLennan declared an interest as a councillor in East Lothian Council.

5. Continuity Act - draft policy statement and draft annual report:

The Committee considered the draft policy statement and draft annual report.

The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government seeking further clarification on several areas. 

6. Understanding Barriers to Local Elected Office (in Private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier in the meeting.