Chamber and committees

As no one else who is online wants to come in on that, I will move on.

You have already mentioned the potential impact of the legislation on future funding decisions and on the rewriting of business plans. Is it fair to say that that has destabilised the social rented sector in Scotland, and does the Government now understand that? Do any of the witnesses who are online want to come in on that?

Do you have an example of anywhere in the world where a rent controls policy has delivered such outcomes?

Looking at the impact that controls are having in Ireland, currently—which I raised during a previous session—do you think that there will be the same outcome in Scotland?

Finally, the legislation requires ministers to ensure that tenants who are affected by the rent cap and evictions moratorium receive appropriate information. How has that been provided to private landlords to ensure that tenants are aware of the legislation and the support and advice that are available? Do you have examples of good practice?

Does Gary Somers want to add anything, or do you have the same rationale?

Thanks for that clarification. I want to move on to floor plans. I have become our committee’s floor-plan man on this piece of work. One of the key concerns that has been expressed to us is that some local authorities require applications to be supported by detailed floor plans. With regard to simplicity, the legislation has perhaps been misinterpreted. What is your understanding? For example, is a simple hand-drawn plan of a property, rather than a full architect’s drawing, acceptable? I will bring Gary Somers and Gillian McNaught back in on that.

That is helpful, thank you.

Gary Somers, do you have anything to add? We have been asking individual councils for their view, to find out why some applicants are told that they need an architect’s drawing.

I note the specific call in your evidence for an amendment for Edinburgh during August, as well. Fiona—do you have anything to add?

Julia—do you have anything to add?

On large-scale events—I refer to the recent bidding process around where the Eurovision song contest would happen, for example—is the system impacting on Scotland’s potential to host large-scale one-off events and have accommodation available for them?