Chamber and committees

Before I bring in other members, minister, I want to touch on your point about the stakeholder forum. You indicated that, in taking the issue forward, you have had extensive engagement with stakeholders. As we all know, they have raised a specific issue around the timescales for constraints, such as muzzling in particular, to be rolled out and the difficulties that that could cause for owners. Will the stakeholder forum look to address some of the concerns that stakeholders have raised? What is the purpose of the forum as the process moves forward?

The final question comes from Pauline McNeill.

The question is, that motion S6M-12106, to annul the Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) (Scotland) Order 2024, be agreed to. Are we agreed?

Members: No.

Our next item of business is consideration of a legislative consent memorandum for the Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill, which is UK Parliament legislation. I refer members to paper 2. I invite any views or comments from members, including on whether the committee wishes to recommend to the Parliament that consent be given to the relevant provisions in the bill.

A range of powers and processes is key to diversifying land ownership and how that land is utilised to provide infrastructure development and regeneration projects that are in the public interest. How does the Scottish Government intend to deliver its commitment to reform and modernise the compulsory purchase system in Scotland, so that it is clearer, fairer and faster for all parties?

While the UK Government continues to slash Scotland’s public service funding, with the latest autumn statement imposing further damage after more than a decade of austerity, the Scottish Government has supported our vital emergency services and has increased pay for staff. Can the cabinet secretary provide detail on the funding that has been allocated in the recent draft budget and what it will mean for Police Scotland?

That would be for the Lord Advocate to decide.

I will bring in Sharon Dowey and come back to you if there is time.

We will have a comfort break for five minutes or so. I suspend the meeting.

Thank you for that. A number of members want to come in. I will bring in Sharon Dowey and then Fulton MacGregor.