Chamber and committees

I am a Conservative MSP for Lothian region. Welcome to Edinburgh.

I will return to the questions that I raised in the committee’s evidence session on 28 February, which were about the use of data—specifically, private landlord registration data—to measure the impact that the Scottish Government’s policy and legislation are having. What assessment has the minister made of how that data is being used? How is real-life information being gathered about what is happening with the policy, given that landlord registration lasts for three years? If landlords are choosing not to let their properties, we would not necessarily know that their properties are no longer on the rental market. What wider assessment is the Government planning to do on the impact of the policy?

Thanks for that.

David Watson, do you want to add anything?

That is helpful. Thank you for that clarity.

Do ministers still believe that it is appropriate for designated religious charities to be exempt from OSCR’s direction-giving powers? Do ministers intend that any future reviews would include consideration of that exemption?

Good morning. In relation to the issuing of positive directions following inquiries, how frequently does the cabinet secretary envisage that OSCR will use those new powers? Are there any examples of inquiry work being hampered due to the lack of ability to issue positive directions?

That is one of the points that we have had concerns about. There is sometimes pressure on smaller charities—for example, village hall charities—to submit accounts. Do you think that there is a need for some flexibility—potentially around income—on the proposal on unredacted accounts for all charities, regardless of their size, being published?

Has any research been undertaken into what impact there will be on accessing funds for organisations in Scotland that are currently not registered as charities and whether that might result in more people thinking that they should register in Scotland under the new legislation?

Does anyone have anything to add on those questions?

We have heard, with regard to designated religious charities, that, in some cases, church acts and constitutions will be exempt from the bill. Does the panel believe that it is appropriate for designated religious charities to be exempt from the provision on positive directions?