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Item 2 is on the committee's approach to the 2004-05 budget process—which I know brings joy to all our hearts. Members have before them an approach paper, which has been drawn up by the clerk. You will note that we have identified two panels of witnesses who might wish to comment on the budget, particularly in relation to the commitments that fall under the communities remit. I invite discussion on whether members feel that the approach as set out in the paper is satisfactory. Then, we can deal with any more detailed comments. I invite members' initial comments on the proposed approach.
As we agreed at a previous meeting, I think that it is good to concentrate on housing, because the financial aspects of housing have been strongly drawn to our attention. I note that the paper mentions Dr Robert Rogerson in relation to issues to do with regeneration and the voluntary sector, which are very important. If he raises issues that we wish to pursue further, could we do so on some other occasion?
I would think that those topics could link in quite nicely with preparatory work for our inquiry into the social economy. I am sure that there are grounds to pursue such subjects there. I would not want to inhibit any subsequent discussion. If something is raised in the course of our discussions that is not strictly to do with the budget, we would want to find some space to explore it later.
We could presumably ask the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, from which we are hearing after Dr Rogerson.
Yes. We will also be hearing from the Minister for Communities later, and we could pursue things with her.
That is a good proposal.
Will it be possible to add to the list of those from whom we might hear evidence practitioners in the voluntary sector, such as CVS Scotland?
We could also add the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. We will ask the clerks to see whether that is possible. Those organisations might offer a useful perspective.
I thank members for their attendance.
Meeting closed at 11:10.
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