Chamber and committees

I will pick up on the local authority working group. Minister, you have probably heard the earlier evidence sessions on the bill. The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities spoke about having a national approach, because a collective approach would ensure that no legal challenges come through. Witnesses have also said that resources are very important. Are you looking at that in the bill? Council budgets are already cut, so looking to them to collect the data will put more of a burden on them. Where will you address the need for local authorities to have the right resources and support mechanisms in place?

What are your thoughts on the national approach?

Thank you, convener, and good morning, minister and supporting officials.

In previous evidence sessions, witnesses raised concerns that the Housing (Scotland) Bill could shrink the market and lead to a further reduction in the number of homes available. Witnesses emphasised the importance of giving confidence to investors in the build-to-rent market, and they believe that changes are required in the bill. Does the Scottish Government accept that those are valid concerns? If so, what changes to the bill does it believe are necessary?

My supplementary question is about a huge issue that is driving up rents. We all know that we simply do not have enough homes in Scotland. Has the Scottish Government taken any action to better understand the resource constraints associated with tradespeople in the private rented sector?

No, that question was answered, thank you.

Good morning to our witnesses. Thank you for the information that you have provided so far. The Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers and the Chartered Institute of Housing have stressed their concerns about the potential for rent controls to shrink the market and put upward pressure on rents. The Scottish Government states that there will be some exemptions and that rules will be localised. Why are such mitigations not adequate? What mitigations would be appropriate? I put that question to Callum Chomczuk first.

My next question is to Mike Callaghan, who mentioned robust data. Before the summer recess, we heard from several councils about the bill. Jennifer Sheddan stressed the need for robust data so that a council’s decision to designate a rent control area has strong evidence behind it. Is COSLA confident that the data that councils currently hold is robust enough to make an informed decision? If not, are you confident that sufficient data will be available in time to help councils to make their assessments on rent by November 2026? How can the risk of insufficient data be mitigated?

You have just mentioned costs and Mike Callaghan said that the process could be quite costly, in terms of resources and time. Have you discussed with the Scottish Government the finances to support you with this? Have you also discussed putting in place a national system?

Thank you, minister. We must not lose sight of the fact that Fiona Campbell is talking about the scheme materially damaging the sector. There is definitely something there to listen to, but I am glad to hear that you are in conversation with her, and that you will continue that.

James, do you want to add anything?