Chamber and committees

Do you have a timescale for that?

I am also interested in hearing what progress is being made on the key deliverables in the draft biodiversity delivery plan for 2024-25 as they relate to future agricultural policy and the rural support plan, fisheries, aquaculture and forestry—the whole lot.

Has there been any progress on the forestry aspect?

I have become aware of polarisation in the forestry sector, which seems to happen across a lot of the sectors in rural areas. I have had conversations with people high up in Scottish Forestry about that, and there are concerns about it beginning to happen. I think that it is happening in commercial forestry and conservation.

I would love to hear the Government’s thinking on that. We have a fantastic model in the Common Ground Forum project for deer management. What can we do to prevent polarisation and to get people together to talk about what is really a shared issue? How do we ensure that Scotland’s woodlands and forests thrive and that people come into all parts of that sector, from seed planting right through to conservation? How do we ensure that people come into the sector, talk with one another and share ideas and best practice in leadership?

Good morning, and welcome to the 23rd meeting in 2024 of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee. I remind all members and witnesses to ensure that their devices are on silent. The first item on our agenda is to decide whether to take item 4 in private. Do members agree to take the item in private?

Members indicated agreement.

The next item is to take evidence on the Housing (Scotland) Bill from the Minister for Housing, Paul McLennan MSP. Mr McLennan is joined by Scottish Government officials Catriona MacKean, who is deputy director in the better homes division; Craig McGuffie, who is a solicitor; Charlotte McHaffie, who is the private rented housing sector team leader; and Yvette Sheppard, who is the head of the housing legislation and reform unit. I welcome the witnesses to the meeting and invite the minister to make a brief opening statement.

Before Emma Roddick goes on to her next question, Mark Griffin has a supplementary. I have to ask that we corral the focus back to the bill. It is good to get into the detail, but we have a lot of questions to get through. I will bring Mark in very briefly, and then I will come back to Emma.

A number of times this morning, you have mentioned conversations that you have had with colleagues outside of this room, but it would be helpful if we could respect the fact that this is public scrutiny. It would be good if information and answers could be shared here for the benefit of the whole of the committee.

Emma Roddick has indicated that she would like to ask one more question. This is such an important topic, so I will allow it before we move on to evictions, the tribunal and awareness of rights.

I note that we are fast approaching 11:30, which was our originally agreed end time. Quite a few members have questions, so is it okay for us to run over by maybe 20 minutes?