Minutes: 04 November 2026

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 4 in private.

2. Pre-Budget scrutiny – evidence:

The Committee took evidence as part of its scrutiny preceding the Scottish Government’s Budget 2027-28, from—

Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Ivan McKee, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform, supported by Gabrielle Cahen, Team Leader Fiscal Sustainability Strategy, Cat Dalrymple, Director of Justice and Don McGillivray, Director for Safer Communities, Scottish Government.

The Committee agreed to consider a draft report on its pre-budget scrutiny of the Scottish Budget 2027-28 and an approach paper on Police Scotland governance and local accountability, in private at its next meeting.

Maggie Chapman declared an interest as having worked for a rape crisis centre prior to her election in 2021.

3. Instruments relating to Police conduct regulations – evidence:

The Committee took evidence on the

Police Service of Scotland (Conduct) Amendment Regulations 2026;

Police Service of Scotland (Senior Officers) (Conduct) Amendment Regulations 2026
from—

Chris Brown, Chief Executive, Scottish Police Authority;

Rob Hay, Chief Superintendent, President, Association of Scottish Police Superintendents;

David Kennedy, General Secretary, Scottish Police Federation;

Craig Naylor, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland.

4. Review of evidence (in private):

The Committee reviewed the evidence heard under items 2 and 3.

5. Work programme (in private):

The Committee reviewed its work programme and agreed to take evidence on wildfires at its meeting on 25 November. It also agreed to delegate authority to the Convener and clerks to finalise arrangements. 

The Committee also agreed to publish a call for views as part of its inquiry into crime and antisocial behaviour associated with e-bikes and e-scooters.