Chamber and committees

Is the committee content with the instruments?

Members indicated agreement.

David Strain, you mentioned the single point of contact model and how that has been beneficial. Has it also been beneficial for people with a variety of equalities issues, whether that is people from the Traveller community, people with visual impairments or people with learning disabilities, for example? How has the process worked?

Would a single point of contact be useful for your area?

Mel, has that come up as an issue where you are?

Mel Heightman, what area do you cover?

I have chaired the Scottish Parliament’s cross-party group on visual impairment since 2011. Throughout the Covid period we would meet online, and the issue of the level of contact came up a couple of times in our meetings.

On wider engagement, it might be worth while engaging with the third sector and some of the charities that deal with people with visual impairments and those with dyslexia, for instance. It is highly likely that they will have better opportunities to engage with the people whom you need to engage with, and that they can assist you to do what you need to do.

In answer to a question from Alex Rowley, Claire Jones talked about people feeling supported. I met up with constituents who are members of the local long Covid support group a few weeks ago, and that issue came up with regard to employment in particular. I am not suggesting that any of the three of you should be engaging with employers in the areas that you represent, but has the issue of people being worried about their employment come up in discussions? Has it created additional worry or stress for individuals who want to get back into work?

I have no relevant interests to declare.

Does the committee wish to note that the Scottish Government intends to correct this error by correction slip?

Members indicated agreement.

Does the committee also wish to draw the instrument to the Parliament’s attention on reporting ground (h), in that it could be clearer that regulation 3(2)(f) of the Road Works (Scottish Road Works Register, Notices, Directions and Designations) (Scotland) Regulations 2008, as amended by this instrument, is intended to refer to the current version of the statutory code of practice entitled “Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Roads”, rather than the 2003 version?

Members indicated agreement.

Finally, does the committee wish to call on the Scottish Government to clarify the position at a suitable legislative opportunity?

Members indicated agreement.