Chamber and committees

That is interesting.

Adam Gillies—to what extent have you been involved in TIF projects?

That was just an aside based on something that I picked up from reading the submission.

The key thing that I want to ask about is local business, in the broadest sense. The committee has heard that uncertainty among employers is affecting investment decisions on infrastructure and training. Business likes certainty; business likes to know what the plan is and what is coming down the road. What are the major barriers to providing the certainty that businesses need in order to make investments?

Clearly, the vision has to be a collective one that involves all stakeholders, but on whose desk does the responsibility for delivering it ultimately lie?

What more could or should be done by either the Scottish Government or the UK Government?

Adam, is it simply a lack of vision that is causing local businesses to be hesitant? Is that, in itself, an answer?

To be honest, I am not sure why TIF kind of went out of fashion. It just seemed to vanish from people’s sight. Do you know why that happened?

Adam, is there more that the Scottish Government or the UK Government should do?

Do we know what the Standards Commission for Scotland and the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee understand by “oversight”? Is it the same as what we understand by “oversight” or are they just passively receiving reports from the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland as and when?

In exhibit 1, there is a dotted line from the advisory audit board, with the comment,

“Members drawn from the SPCB’s own Advisory Audit Board”.

Does that mean that the individuals who are appointed to do all the investigations and so on are also members of the advisory board?

[Inaudible.]—members are doing in the office of the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland?