Chamber and committees

Good morning. I have two questions, which I will direct specifically to Chloe Minto. What is the availability of legal aid and specialist solicitors in the area? Last week, we heard that the cost of representation at things such as a tribunal is often prohibitive, and there was a suggestion that it can sometimes be a challenge to find skilled legal representation in the area.

Megan Farr might have something to add to that. I will ask you a direct question on your—or the commissioner’s—submission, which mentions the independent adjudication process. I am not convinced that that is particularly well used. At the risk of asking a leading set-up, if one wants to avail oneself of that process, one has to apply to the Scottish ministers. Given that, why do you think that independent adjudication is not better used, and how might you change it so that it is?

Dr Binnie, I want to press this point, because My Rights, My Say seems to suggest that it is at the local authority’s discretion whether independent adjudication progresses, and that there would be no right of appeal. Is that correct and, if so, does that need to change?

I understand. Thank you.

Before I bring in Megan Farr on the same point—I will be coming to her on my second question, anyway—will you explain something that I am struggling with from an answer that you gave earlier? You said that Govan Law Centre covers the whole of Scotland, but, presumably, it is based in Govan. How does someone in my area—Aberdeen—who needs representation or support know about your service? How do they access your support if they need it?

You may have heard me ask earlier about independent adjudication. The response that I got was that one reason why the process is little used is that local authorities do not let people know about it. No local authority has mentioned that process in the submissions that the committee has received. What do you believe to be the reason that independent adjudication is used infrequently? Would COSLA welcome easier routes for parents and families to challenge local authority decisions?

Part of that accessibility and participation might involve legal advice and representation. You mentioned in your submission that many young people can get legal advice, but whether they are able to access it is another question. Are you able to help the committee understand the situation? There seems to be a dearth of legal aid lawyers. Are legal aid lawyers available for tribunal processes? In any event, what is the general availability and rough cost of representation if a legally aided lawyer is not available?

I am very grateful for that. I think that Stephanie Callaghan might have a question.

Who, principally, actions that?

I understand. Thank you.