Minutes: 05 December 2023

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 7, 8 and 9 in private.

2. Annual Report of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman 2022-23:

The Committee took evidence from—

Rosemary Agnew, Ombudsman, Andrew Sheridan, Head of Improvement, Standards and Engagement, and Niki Maclean, Director, Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.

3. Annual Report of the Scottish Housing Regulator 2022-23:

The Committee took evidence from—

George Walker, Chair, and Michael Cameron, Chief Executive, Scottish Housing Regulator.

4. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the Council Tax (Variation for Unoccupied Dwellings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2023 from—

Tom Arthur, Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance, James Messis, Policy Team Leader, Heather Galbraith, Solicitor, and Jessica Niven, Unit Head, More Homes Division, Scottish Government.

5. Subordinate legislation:

Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance moved —S6M-11186— That the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee recommends that the Council Tax (Variation for Unoccupied Dwellings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2023 be approved.

After debate, the motion was agreed to by division: For 3, Against 0, Abstentions 2.

6. Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee considered its findings from the visit on Tuesday 28 November. 

7. Annual Report of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

8. Annual Report of the Scottish Housing Regulator (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

9. Housing to 2040 (in private):

The Committee agreed its approach to its scrutiny of Housing to 2040.