Minutes: 23 January 2024

1. Decision on taking business in private:

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

2. Budget Scrutiny 2024-25:

The Committee took evidence on the Scottish Government's Budget 2024-25 from—

Shona Robison, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy and Philip Raines, Deputy Director for Domestic Climate Change, Scottish Government;

and then from—

Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, Colin Cook, Director of Economic Development and Susie Townend, Deputy Director for Energy Industries, Scottish Government.

In relation to a question on forestry, Edward Mountain declared an interest as a Partner in a farming partnership located in Moray.

Monica Lennon indicated that she is a former member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

3. Budget Scrutiny 2024-25 (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.

4. Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered correspondence from the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity regarding the publication of the draft Circular Economy and Waste Route Map.

The Committee agreed to seek further information about the draft Route Map as part of its next evidence session on the Scottish Budget 2024-25.