Minutes: 27 January 2026

1. Decisions on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 4, 6 and 7 in private. The Committee agreed to consider a draft report on the Draft Climate Change Plan in private at a future meeting.

2. Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from—

Jamie Coventry, Economic Adviser, Aberdeen City Council;

Malcolm MacLeod, Assistant Chief Executive - Place, The Highland Council;

Fergus Murray, Head of Development and Economic Growth, Argyll & Bute Council;

Christie Hartley, Team Manager, Sustainable Tourism, Orkney Islands Council;

Gareth Dixon, Policy Manager, Local Government Finance, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA);

Elin Williamson, Interim Service Director for Culture, Wellbeing and Economy, City of Edinburgh Council;

Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive, Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers;

Marc Crothall, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Tourism Alliance;

Sheila Gilmore, Chief Executive, VisitArran;

Fiona MacConnacher, Head of Public Affairs, UK & Ireland, Booking.com;

David Weston, Chairman, Scottish B&B Association.

3. Budget Scrutiny 2026-27:

The Committee took evidence from—

Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, supported by Ian Storrie, Head of Local Government Finance, and Ellen Leaver, Acting Director for Local Government, Scottish Government.

4. Work Programme (in private)

The Committee considered its work programme.

The Committee agreed its approach to the Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] and other anticipated subordinate legislation on housing related issues (minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector and rent control exemptions). The Committee agreed to write to stakeholders for their views, and to invite stakeholders to give oral evidence. The Committee delegated to the Convener responsibility for the letter and invitations.

The Committee agreed to write to stakeholders for their views on proposed amendments to the European Charter of Local Self-Government (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill.

The Committee agreed to defer private consideration on other parts of its work programme to its next meeting.

5. Draft Climate Change Plan (in private):

The Committee considered a draft letter to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee on the draft Climate Change Plan. The Committee discussed changes and delegated to the Convener responsibility for finalising the letter.

6. Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee agreed to defer its private consideration of the evidence heard under agenda item 2 until its next meeting.

7. Budget Scrutiny 2026-27 (in private):

The Committee agreed to defer its private consideration of the evidence heard under agenda item 3 until its next meeting.