Official Report 271KB pdf
This item is for the committee to consider further the delegated powers provisions in the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill following stage 2.
I wrote to the Scottish Government after our last meeting to set out the committee’s concerns on section 66, which contains a revised power allowing the Scottish ministers to make regulations for or in connection with a licensing scheme for funeral directors’ businesses.
Given the potential impact that the scheme could have on individuals, the committee considered that matters relating to the licensing of funeral directors’ businesses should be set out more fully in the bill. Recognising that that might not be possible due to time constraints, the committee asked the Scottish Government to consider attaching an enhanced affirmative procedure to the power. Yesterday, the Scottish Government lodged an amendment to ensure that an enhanced affirmative procedure will apply to the power.
Do members agree to note and welcome that response from the Scottish Government?
Members indicated agreement.
I think that that is an excellent result that indicates that the Government has listened to the concerns of the committee. Throughout the passage of the bill, the committee has made a positive contribution. I am glad that the Government has listened, and I am glad that we have had the first-class advice from our clerks and advisers that has enabled us to achieve this result.
I agree with everything that Stewart Stevenson has said and I welcome the amendment, which leaves this committee more content with the bill than we were when we were first introduced to it.
Thank you.