Minutes: 28 October 2026

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 4 in private.

2. Instruments subject to annulment:

The Committee considered—

The Police Service of Scotland (Conduct) Amendment Regulations 2026 (SSI 2026/276);

The Police Service of Scotland (Senior Officers) (Conduct) Amendment Regulations 2026 (SSI 2026/277).

The Committee noted written evidence already received and agreed to invite further written and oral evidence on the regulations.

3. Pre-budget scrutiny 2027-28 – evidence:

The Committee took evidence from—

David Kennedy, General Secretary, Scottish Police Federation;

Lynne Thornhill, Director of Justice at Sacro (representing UpSide Programme), UpSide;

Colin Brown, Executive Council Member, Fire Brigades Union;

Tracey Mulholland, President, Scottish Solicitors Bar Association;

Hamish Robertson, Director of Data and Insight, The Wise Group;

and then from—

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, Audit Scotland;

Karyn McCluskey, Chief Executive, Community Justice Scotland;

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 item 3.

5. Work programme (in private):

The Committee reviewed its work programme and agreed the remit, scope, and scrutiny programmes for its two upcoming inquiries: "Crime and antisocial behaviour associated with e-bikes and e-scooters" and "AI-generated image abuse and deepfakes."

For both inquiries, the Committee agreed to delegate authority to the Convener and clerks to finalise arrangements for oral evidence sessions, engagement activities, calls for views, and related communications.