1. Declaration of interests:

Kevin Stewart was invited to declare any relevant interests. No such interests were declared.

2. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the Legal Aid and Advice and Assistance (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) (No. 4) Regulations 2023 [draft] from—

Siobhian Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Shona Urquhart, Legal Aid Policy Lead and Martin Brown, Solicitor, Legal Directorate, Scottish Government.

3. Subordinate legislation:

Siobhian Brown (Minister for Victims and Community Safety) moved—S6M-10545—That the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee recommends that the Legal Aid and Advice and Assistance (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) (No. 4) Regulations 2023 [draft] be approved.

The motion was agreed to without division.

4. Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence from—

Vicky Crichton, Secretariat, Scottish Legal Complaints Commission Consumer Panel;

Sharon Horwitz, Legal Director, Competition and Markets Authority;

Tracey Reilly, Head of Consumer Markets, Consumer Scotland;

Dr Marsha Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Women's Aid.

5. Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard under agenda item 4 and related correspondence from the Minister for Victims and Community Safety.  The Committee agreed to write to the Minister for Victims and Community Safety.