Minutes: 30 November 2021

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 4 and 5 in private.

2. Retrofitting housing for net-zero:

The Committee took evidence from—

Chris Morgan, Architect and Director, John Gilbert Architects;

Professor Ken Gibb, Director, UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence, University of Glasgow;

and then from—

Bruce Cuthbertson, Chairperson, East Ayrshire Federation (of tenants and residents) ;

Aaron Hill, Director of Policy and Membership, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations ;

Bryan Leask, Chief Executive, Hjaltland Housing Association Ltd ;

Derek Logie, Chief Executive, Rural Housing Scotland;

and then from—

Stephen Good, Chief Executive, Construction Scotland Innovation Centre ;

Elizabeth Leighton, Director, Existing Homes Alliance Scotland;

Professor Lori McElroy, Professor of Architecture, University of Strathclyde.

The following interests were declared—

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

Elena Whitham declared an interest as a councillor in East Ayrshire Council.

Meghan Gallacher declared an interest as a councillor in North Lanarkshire Council.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instrument— Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 (Register of Interests) Amendment Regulations 2021

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

4. Retrofitting housing for net-zero (in private):

The Committee considered evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government and the UK Government. 

5. Subordinate legislation (in private):

The Committee considered its approach to consideration of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022 and the Town and Country Planning (Short-term Let Control Areas) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022 and agreed a programme of evidence sessions.