Chamber and committees

Earlier today, we spoke about the perception that a formal diagnosis can really help to meet young people’s needs. Under what circumstances would that be the case? That might be a question for Vivienne Sutherland.

I want to ask about references that are made to the tribunal. I am aware that, under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, 12 to 15-year-olds are subject to capacity and wellbeing tests, but claims under the Equality Act 2010 do not involve those tests. Can you explain why that is the case?

We have heard that reflected in the evidence that we have taken. Does more work need to be done on recognising the views and expertise of parents and children? Perhaps more work needs to be done on that and on respecting and taking seriously what they say.

Do the tests serve a useful purpose?

Thank you very much, convener—it is a bit like ping-pong.

On the right of children and young people to fully participate, do you have any observations about how effectively local authorities support children and young people with complex needs to have a meaningful say in decisions that affect them? I am certainly not looking for you to criticise local authorities; I am more interested in whether particular issues or themes arise that perhaps indicate areas for local authorities to focus on. Are there things that keep coming up again and again?

We have heard that, as you mentioned, there are concerns that the proposals could be quite confusing. You mentioned the online rent calculator that has been launched and the awareness-raising campaign on renters’ rights, which is limited to four weeks, if I picked up what you said correctly. Will you say a bit more about the awareness campaign? Is there scope to extend it beyond four weeks if that is required? How will you review how effective it is in getting the information across to tenants and landlords?

Can third sector organisations such as Citizens Advice Scotland, if they come up against issues, expect to influence what will happen from this point on?

I put on record that I was a councillor at South Lanarkshire Council until 2022. I remember the information sessions and the intense scrutiny from councillors across the board when we looked at reprofiling loans fund repayments.

I have a few questions. What assessment has been made of the extent to which local authorities have used the 2016 flexibilities? It would be helpful if you could put a number on that, if that is known. Do you have a figure for the amount by which council reserves have been boosted across the country?

Do you have the figures for how many councils have taken that step?

If you could send that on to us, that would be really helpful.