1. Decision on taking business in private

The Committee will decide whether to take items 3 and 4 in private.

2. Community Councils

The Committee will take evidence from—

• Brian Davey
  Communications Officer
  Improvement Service
• Dr Oliver Escobar
  Senior Lecturer in Public Policy
  University of Edinburgh
• Andrew Paterson
  Policy and Research Officer
  Scottish Community Development Centre
• Emma Swift
  Communications Officer
  Improvement Service
• Jackie Weaver
  Chief Officer
  Cheshire Association of Local Councils

and then from -

• John Bachtler
  Chair
  Cambuslang Community Council
• Barry Cathie
  Community Councillor
  Royal Burgh of Rutherglen Community Council
• Debra Duke
  Community Council Liaison Office
  Moray Council
• Steve Kerr
  Chair
  Edinburgh Association of Community Councils
• Alastair Kennedy
  Chair
  Joint Community Councils of Moray
• Shayne McLeod
  Vice Chair
  Association of Shetland Community Councils
• Bill Pitt
  Chair
  New Aberdour, Tyrie, and Pennan Community Council
• Donald Stavert
  Treasurer
  Joint Forum of Community Councils in West Lothian
• Ewart McAuslane
  Treasurer
  Tillicoultry Coalsnaughton & Devonside Community Council

3. Community Councils

The Committee will consider the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

4. Annual report

The Committee will consider a draft annual report for the parliamentary year from 13 May 2022 to 12 May 2023.