Minutes: 04 November 2021

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee will decide whether to take items 5 and 6 in private.

2. Proposed Scottish Employment Injuries Advisory Council Bill:

The Committee took evidence on the statement of reasons lodged to accompany the draft proposal from the witnesses outlined below—

Mark Griffin, MSP and Mary Dinsdale, Senior Assistant Clerk, Non-Government Bills Unit, Scottish Parliament .

and then decided that it was satisfied with the reasons given.

3. Session 6 priorities for homelessness and rough sleeping:

The Committee took evidence from—

Maggie Brünjes, Chief Executive, Homeless Network Scotland;

Lorna Campbell, Financial Wellbeing and Revenues Manager, Dumfries and Galloway Council;

Lorraine McGrath, Chief Executive, Simon Community Scotland;

Dr Beth Watts, Senior Research Fellow, Heriot-Watt University;

Gordon McRae, Assistant Director, Shelter Scotland.

4. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instrument—

Council Tax Reduction (Scotland) Amendment (No. 4) Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/337)

5. Session 6 priorities for homelessness and rough sleeping (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting and agreed to write to COSLA and to the Scottish Government.

6. Work programme (in private):

The Committee considered its work programme and further discussed and agreed its approach to forthcoming roundtable evidence sessions. The Committee also agreed its strategic aim.