Chamber and committees

That is interesting, thank you.

You are going to tell me that you would like more money in order to do those things. Do you feel that certain structures should be changed to allow for what you describe as a fairer spend?

Do you have particular recommendations on home schooling and making that link?

That is a very helpful answer.

The issue of accountability and scrutiny in the tax-and-spend system is obviously a prime consideration for the committee. To its credit, the Finance and Constitution Committee tried hard during the previous session of Parliament to ensure that there is good-quality scrutiny of the decisions that are made in Parliament.

What do we have to do to improve on the scrutiny and accountability of the tax and spend system? Other committees in the Parliament have investigated several aspects of it and have come down on the side that, in some cases, gross mismanagement of procurement and so on had taken place, which does not help the public’s acceptance of the tax system that exists. Do you have any suggestions about what we could you do to improve its accountability? I see that Joanne is nodding.

There is the question of the renegotiation of the fiscal framework, which has to take place shortly. It has been put to us that there are elements, particularly some of the technical aspects, of the fiscal framework that might make cohesion between the two Governments difficult. I know that you will not advise on policy, but do you have any comments on any of the technical difficulties of the existing fiscal framework, which runs from 2016 until now?

Mr Robertson, I was interested in your comment to the convener about your concern about contracts between tenants and the people who rent out properties. You said that some of the legislative changes that have taken place have not been particularly helpful. Will you expand on what you meant by that?

It is one thing having a device but it is another thing having the skills to use it and complete job applications and all the things that are important in accessing the job market. What do we need to do to ensure that people who have devices are better educated on how to use them in order to access the world of work?

That is helpful.

It is not just young people; some older people are not very digitally able and do not have access to many of the digital formats that we do. What has to happen to ensure that there is less inequality within the older age group, many of whom would make a huge contribution if they had the facilities to do so but are finding it difficult to have a meaningful job?

Thank you.