Minutes: 03 March 2026

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 4 in private.

2. Sign Loud: Perspectives of Deaf mothers and signing practitioners on domestic abuse, communication issues and the impact on Deaf families:

The Committee took evidence from—

Professor Jemina Napier, Heriot-Watt University;

Dr Claire Houghton, University of Edinburgh;

Lucy Clark, LCC Scotland.

Karen Adam declared that she wrote the foreword to the above report. 

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instruments—

Sheriff Court Fees Order 2026 (SSI 2026/74);

High Court of Justiciary Fees Order 2026 (SSI 2026/77);

Justice of the Peace Court Fees (Scotland) Order 2026 (SSI 2026/78);

Sheriff Appeal Court Fees Order 2026 (SSI 2026/79);

Court of Session etc. Fees Order 2026 (SSI 2026/80); and

Adults with Incapacity (Public Guardian’s Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 (SSI 2026/81).

The Committee agreed to make no recommendations in relation to the instruments.

4. Sign Loud: Perspectives of Deaf mothers and signing practitioners on domestic abuse, communication issues and the impact on Deaf families:

The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government on issues raised.