Chamber and committees

A number of other recent projects have had challenges, including the building that we are in now, where, as I understand it, the design was not complete before the project was initiated. How much of a problem has that been throughout the progress of the two vessels? To use your words, if the design had been largely complete at a much earlier stage, would that have had a significant and positive impact on where we are now?

Is there anything more that you want to relay to us about why the design was in that position when the works were initiated?

Thank you, convener. I was also going to ask about the consenting process. The answers in response to Mr Lumsden were helpful and give us some food for thought about what to inquire of other organisations.

On organisational priorities and therefore budgets, I have one other question for SEPA. I noted that you list the response to waste crime as a priority. Are there any parts of that that you want to emphasise as a priority? I am thinking about the challenge of dealing with the influence of both organised and small operational criminals in the sector and the challenge that that presents to all of us.

On that point, Mr Harley, you touched on the important fact that there is a way to go in terms of taking the public with us by different means—nudging, encouraging, as well as punishing, if necessary; we will get on to that element of the bill later. Is the secondary legislation that follows the bill’s passing in fact necessitated by the need to walk through the process in terms of implementation and awareness raising?

We will return to the issue of household waste in due course, but I have some questions about charges for single-use items. How should the Scottish Government strategically use powers to charge for single-use items, as proposed in the bill, to support the transition to a circular economy? What role can charging play alongside the many other potential measures and options, such as producer responsibility, deposit return and any relevant taxation? I am not sure who wants to answer first.

Is it important not to overemphasise the contribution made by charging for single-use items, but to ensure that that is considered as part of a wider suite of measures to reduce waste and encourage upcycling and recycling?

As you have done, many respondents to the call for views emphasised the need for proper life-cycle analysis of any new charges to ensure that there would be environmental benefits. They also mentioned the need for engagement with businesses and consumers as a way of avoiding unintended consequences and ensuring a collegiate and collective approach to implementation.

Does the bill provide a framework for the assessment and engagement that will be required for any new charges that are introduced? Are you confident that the bill is robust and appropriate?

Yes.

Unfortunately, that takes time. That is the reality. Do any other witnesses want to come in?

What limitations or inconsistencies are there in the existing and proposed powers to ban, or to introduce charges for, single-use items? Do you wish to say anything about that, Mr Gulland, before I bring in Mr Halfhide?