Minutes: 29 October 2025

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 5 in private.

2. Emergency cardiac care thematic evidence session:

The Committee will took evidence from—

• Kym Kestell, Policy and Public Affairs Officer, British Heart Foundation Scotland.

• Kirsty Morrison, Policy and Campaigns Officer, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

• Steven Short, Programme Lead, Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest, Scottish Ambulance Service.

3. Consideration of continued petitions:

The Committee considered the following continued petitions: 

• PE1953: Review Education Support staff roles. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders.

• PE1999: Fully implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders.

• PE2006: Review and simplify the legislation in relation to dismissal of property factors. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders. 

• PE2033: Introduce a full ban on disposable vapes. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders.

• PE2073: Ensure accurate information is used when issuing court summons. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders. 

• PE2084: Allow alkaline hydrolysis. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders.

• PE2131: Grant Scottish rivers, including the River Clyde, the legal right to personhood. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders.    

4. Consideration of new petitions:

The Committee considered the following new petitions: 

• PE2172: Allow late proposals to alter the Council Tax Valuation Band in exceptional circumstances. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders. 

• PE2175: Immediate ban on the sale and use of Disposable (Instant) Barbeques in Scotland. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders. In closing the petition, the Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government. 

• PE2176: Introduce penalties for failing to comply with Mental Welfare Commission recommendations related to duty of candour. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders. 

• PE2177: Support and fund mobility services. The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders. 

5. Consideration of evidence:

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.