Audit Committee
The most important topic on a very busy agenda last week was a briefing from the Auditor General on waiting times.  It was suggested that the targets had been met using non-recurring funding and the Golden Jubilee hospital is more expensive to use to tackle waiting.  It was also suggested that there is a problem of cancellations at the hospital, despite the forward planning arrangements which are in place.  The Health Minister refuted these comments and a more detailed argument on the issue was explored during the debate on waiting times on last Thursday - http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-06/sor0223-02.htm#Col23517  Nevertheless, the Committee plans to visit the Golden Jubilee to speak to the waiting times unit and probe the issues further.

Communities Committee
The Committee continued its scrutiny of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill.  This week’s witnesses welcomed the Bill and showed support for the majority of the proposals contained therein.  However they did raise concerns, saying that they were anxious that the legislation needs to be enforced along with a culture change.  They were also of the opinion that a Third Party Right of Appeal would seriously damage / hamper future developments and, as a result, the Scottish economy.

Equal Opportunities Committee
Progress on the disability inquiry continued, with a discussion on the barriers to different aspects of education facing disabled people.  The inquiry continues.

Finance Committee
The Finance Committee took evidence from Finance and Public Service Reform Minister, Tom McCabe and his officials for its inquiry into the Cost of the Local Authority Single Status Agreement.  The Minister said that he wants legislation to codify local authority officials' responsibilities and that failure to measure up could result in job losses.  He was unhappy at the continuing delay and said sometimes tough choices have to be made. He also said questions should be asked about the advice officials had or had not been giving councillors over the last six years.  He insisted councils were principally responsible for meeting their obligations as employers.  In response, CoSLA said local authorities already held senior officials to account.

The Minister and officials also gave evidence to the Committee on the Draft Budget (Scotland) Act 2005 Amendment (No.2) Order 2006.  The Order contains budget revisions and accordingly parliamentary authorisation is required for a number of in-year changes to the allocations as set out in the Budget.  The total increase resulting from changes contained in the Order amounts to £113.979 million – or roughly 0.4% of the approved budget.  The Minister moved that the Order be approved and the Committee agreed.

On the Financial Memorandum of the Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill, the Committee took evidence from CoSLA, West Lothian Council and North Ayrshire Council. CoSLA cautiously welcomed the proposed changes, but commented on the under-funding of the current planning system.

Health Committee
The Committee is currently conducting an inquiry into the implementation of the policy and the work of the Care Commission and is seeking input from individuals on the ground.  The inquiry heard evidence from Lord Sutherland, formerly chair of the Royal Commission on Long Term Care of the Elderly, and evidence has been submitted by 33 organisations, including the Association of Directors of Social Work; Age Concern Scotland; CoSLA; the Care Commission; and six individuals with personal experience of care homes.  In addition, a series of six round table discussions where Committee members and those with experience of the issues discuss views and recommendations are taking place this month and next.  Janis Hughes (LAB) and Mike Rumbles (LD) reported back on recent Care Commission inspections in which they participated as observers.  During the evidence session, it was agreed to seek further information on the joint discussions on reducing duplication of work in the care system being carried out by CoSLA and the Care Commission.  The Committee agreed to pursue the questions Lord Sutherland has asked in the House of Lords with regards to the impact of free personal care on Attendance Allowance claims.  The Committee also agreed to invite the Scottish Social Services Council to give evidence on their training functions.  

Justice 1 Committee
The Committee agreed to send a number of questions to the Justice Minister in relation to the Scottish Criminal Records Office (SCRO). On receipt of the Minister's reply, a decision will be taken on whether to hold a Committee inquiry.

Justice 2 Committee
Last week's meeting began by thanking the outgoing Annabel Goldie (CON) for her past work as convenor.  She was replaced by David Davidson (CON).  The Committee then went on to receive a briefing from officials concerning further amendments to be put to the Police, Public order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill.  These amendments will cover sex offenders and improving the powers of regulation orders in connection with the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency.  The Committee also considered a consent memorandum in relation to the UK Police and Justice Bill, deciding to take written evidence from stakeholders and oral evidence from the Minister at a future meeting.  Finally, members considered whether to appoint an advisor to assist with the forthcoming Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Bill.  It was agreed that an advisor would be a welcome addition.

Local Government and Transport Committee
Bus user groups and bus operators gave evidence before members considered the SSI which establishes the Scottish Wide Free Concessionary Travel Scheme.  Members then debated whether to approve SSI's which would allow local authorities to introduce congestion charging.

Procedures Committee
The Committee considered a report from the Convenor, Ian Smith (LD), on his recent visit to the Catalan Parliament.  A number of interesting points were raised and the visit was considered to be fruitful.  The Committee went on to take evidence on the definition of Consolidation Bills.  This was primarily technical information and nothing controversial was raised.  The Committee also considered its annual report and whether it was of value to produce the report in hardcopy.

Public Petitions Committee
Last week's meeting heard from a petitioner who wanted the actions of local government officials to be brought into the sphere of the Public Services Ombudsman and a carers group from Fife who were concerned about the reduction in Supporting People Funding. The most controversial petition was from Dalkieth Labour Party endorsing, with the support of the local community council and Chamber of Commerce, the decision to press ahead with the Dalkeith By-pass.  This was in direct opposition to a petition the Committee took a few months ago against the new road.

Subordinate Legislation Committee
The Committee spent some time considering a legal brief on the Local Electoral Administration and Registration Service (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1.  The Committee considered that there should be a degree of Parliamentary scrutiny involved in the performance standards for Returning Officers, produced under section 1 of the Bill.  The Executive stated that its intention behind the introduction of performance standards is to ensure consistency of performance in electoral administration across all elections in the UK.

The Committee also considered the delegated powers in the Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Bill as introduced.  This is the Bill which will modernise the law relating personal bankruptcy with the aim of providing a better balance between supporting businesses and protecting creditors.