Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee

Meeting date: Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Official Report 519KB pdf

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Instruments subject to Affirmative Procedure

Under agenda item 4, we are considering four instruments.

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Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Directions by Local Authorities) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022 [Draft]

No points have been raised on the instrument. Given the evidence that we heard earlier from Mr Swinney in relation to the regulations, do members have any comments to make?

As we heard earlier, the instrument extends the powers given to councils for another six months in relation to premises, events and public outdoor spaces. Given where we are with the health situation, I cannot see a justification for councils hanging on to those powers for another six months. In the circumstances, I will vote against the instrument.

Is the committee content with the instrument?

Members: No.

There will be a division on whether we wish to make no recommendations in relation to the draft Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Directions by Local Authorities) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022.

For

Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP)
McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP)
Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab)

Against

Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con)
Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Con)

The result of the division is: For 3, Against 2, Abstentions 0.

The committee therefore agrees to make no recommendation. However, members’ concerns have been expressed and will be noted on the record. A report will be published and those concerns will be noted in it.

Also under this agenda item, no points have been raised on the following instruments.

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Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022 [Draft]

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Coronavirus (Scotland) Acts (Amendment of Expiry Dates) Regulations 2022 [Draft]

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Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2022 [Draft]

Is the committee content with the instruments?

Members indicated agreement.