Minutes: 22 March 2022

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 3, 4 and 5 in private.

2. Inquiry into the role of local government and its cross-sectoral partners in financing and delivering a net-zero Scotland:

The Committee took evidence from—

Robbie Calvert, Policy, Practice and Research Officer, Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI);

Pam Ewen, Chair, Heads of Planning Scotland;

Jane Tennant, Chair, Scottish Young Planners' Network, Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI);

and then from—

Chris Brodie, Director of Regional Skills Planning and Sector Development, Skills Development Scotland;

Jamie Brogan, Head of Climate Partnerships, Edinburgh Climate Change Institute;

Simon Hewitt, Principal, Dundee and Angus College, Lead Principal for Climate Emergency, Colleges Scotland.

3. Inquiry into the role of local government and its cross-sectoral partners in financing and delivering a net-zero Scotland (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2 and agreed to request further information in relation to training from Skills Development Scotland and Colleges Scotland.

4. Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (in private):

The Committee considered written evidence from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

The Committee continued its consideration of draft letters on carbon capture, utilisation and storage to the Scottish and UK governments, and agreed to consider revised drafts at a later meeting.

5. P&O Ferries Ltd (in private):

The Committee considered P&O Ferries Ltd’s 17 March 2022 announcement on staffing and services.

The Committee agreed to invite P&O Ferries Ltd to give evidence at a later meeting.