The second item on our agenda is consideration of a response from the Executive, following the publication of our report into the cost of local authority single status agreements. The committee invited responses to its report from Unison, the Transport and General Workers Union Scotland, GMB Scotland and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, all of which gave evidence to the committee during its inquiry. To date, however, the committee has received a response only from the Executive.
Given the worrying evidence that we heard from COSLA about the potential impact that local authorities in Scotland faced, I am surprised that COSLA has not replied to your initial letter, convener. I do not know whether that indicates that things are going on in the background. Do you have any idea why COSLA has not responded, given the fact that it will be in the front line?
As I say, perhaps I should write to COSLA, the Executive and the trade unions, stressing the urgency of dealing with these matters. The committee will then have acquitted its function and will have underlined the importance of taking matters forward. If that is agreed by the committee, I will write those letters accordingly.
The final item on our agenda is consideration of our draft report on the financial memorandum to the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Bill, which we have agreed to take in private.
Meeting continued in private until 11:42.