Minutes: 20 May 2025

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 in private.

2. Instruments subject to affirmative procedure:

The Committee agreed to bring to the attention of the Parliament the following—

Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Amendment Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/Draft)
Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland (Designation of Scheme Administrator) Order 2025 (SSI 2025/Draft)
Environmental Regulation (Enforcement Measures) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2025 (SSI 2025/Draft)

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Restitution Fund (Scotland) Order 2025 (SSI 2025/Draft)

3. Instruments subject to negative procedure:

The Committee agreed to bring to the attention of the Parliament the following—

Public Service Vehicles (Registration of Local Services) (Local Services Franchises Transitional Provisions) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/137)

4. Instruments not subject to any parliamentary procedure:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Act of Sederunt (Lands Valuation Appeal Court) 2025 (SSI 2025/140)
Act of Sederunt (Registration Appeal Court) 2025 (SSI 2025/141)

5. Leases (Automatic Scotland etc.) (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence from—

• Siobhian Brown - Minister for Victims and Community Safety
• Michael Paparakis - Policy and Bill Programme Manager, Private Law. Scottish Government.

Accompanied by—

• Lori Pidgeon - Constitutional and Civil Law. Scottish Government.

6. Scottish Parliament (Recall and Removal of Members) Bill:

The Committee considered the response from the Member-in-charge of the Bill, Graham Simpson MSP, to points raised on the delegated powers provisions in this Bill at Stage 1. It agreed to invite the Member to give evidence at a future meeting.

7. Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee considered the delegated powers provisions in this Bill after Stage 2. It agreed to report to the Parliament.

8. Care Reform (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee considered the Scottish Government's response to points raised on the delegated powers provisions in this Bill after Stage 2. It agreed to report to the Parliament.

9. Planning and Infrastructure Bill (UK Parliament legislation):

The Committee considered correspondence regarding points raised with the UK and Scottish Government in relation to powers to make subordinate legislation within devolved competence in the Bill. It agreed to report to the lead committee on the Bill, the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee.

10. Quarterly report:

The Committee considered a draft report for the parliamentary quarter from 24 February to 12 May 2025 and agreed to publish the finalised report.

11. Leases (Automatic Continuation etc.) (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 5.