1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 4 in private.

2. Community Planning Inquiry: Post-Legislative Scrutiny of the Community Empowerment Act 2015:

The Committee took evidence from—

Valerie Arbuckle, National Partnership Development Manager, Police Scotland;

Mark McAteer, Director of Strategic Planning Performance and Communications and Stephen Wood, Head of Service Delivery, North of Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service;

Pauline Smith, Chief Executive, Development Trusts Association Scotland;

Caroline Warburton, Destination Development Director, VisitScotland;

and then from—

Karen Jackson, Director of Strategy Partnerships and Engagement, South of Scotland Enterprise;

Sharon McIntyre, Head of Career Information Advice and Guidance and Dave McCallum, Head of Operations South East, Skills Development Scotland;

Derek Shaw, Director of Innovation and Place, Scottish Enterprise;

Eann Sinclair, Area Manager Caithness and Sutherland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instruments—

Non-Domestic Rates (Restriction of Relief) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/28)

Non-Domestic Rate (Scotland) Order 2023 (SSI 2023/29)

Non-Domestic Rates (Levying and Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/30)

Non-Domestic Rates (Transitional Relief) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 (SSI 2023/31)

Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2023 (SSI 2023/36)

4. Community Planning Inquiry: Post-Legislative Scrutiny of the Community Empowerment Act 2015 (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.