Minutes: 25 November 2025

1. Decision on taking business in private:

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

2. Instruments subject to affirmative procedure:

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

Management of Offenders (Scotland) Act 2019 and the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Act 2025 (Consequential Modifications) Regulations 2026 (SSI 2026/Draft)

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Companies Act 2006 (Scottish public sector companies to be audited by the Auditor General for Scotland) Order 2026 (SSI 2026/Draft)

3. Instruments subject to negative procedure:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (Commencement No. 6, Consequential Amendment, Saving and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/352 (C.26))

4. Instruments not subject to any parliamentary procedure:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Non-Party Campaigner Code of Practice) (Appointed Date) (Scotland) (No. 2) Order 2025 (SSI 2025/347)
Scottish Languages Act 2025 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/348 (C.24))
Education (Scotland) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 1 and Transitory Provision) Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/351 (C.25))

5. Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence from—

Dr Andrew Agapiou, Chair of the Contracts Committee, Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland;

Colin Borland, Scotland Director, Federation of Small Businesses;

David Woods, Partner in the Litigation, Regulatory and Tax Team, Pinsent Masons.

6. Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered the Scottish Government's response to points raised on the delegated powers provisions in this Bill at Stage 1. It agreed to invite the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health to give evidence at a future meeting.

7. Public Office (Accountability) Bill (UK Parliament legislation) (in private):

The Committee considered the Legislative Consent Memorandum and powers to make subordinate legislation within devolved competence in the Bill. It agreed to report to the lead committee on the Bill, the Finance and Public Administration Committee.

8. Framework legislation and Henry VIII powers (in private):

The Committee considered a draft guidance document.

9. Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill (in private):

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