We continue to scrutinise the actions of the Scottish Government in its response to the COVID-19 public health emergency in areas within our remit, and in its support for the local government and voluntary sectors. We also aim to provide a forum to share good practice in addressing the challenges the emergency raises. As part of this work we will look at actions taken by local government, housing, planning and communities sectors. We had remote informal discussions on 22 April, 29 April and 6 May to discuss future business. Since then we have been able to resume formal meetings, including broadcast evidence sessions, through remote video-conferencing. Any correspondence relevant to our work on Covid-19 is published here.
Correspondence
Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill
Correspondence between the Committee and the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government
Guidance on moving home in Scotland during the COVID-19 outbreak
Ministerial Statement on Modifying Local Connection
Remote Committee meetings
The Committee agreed to write to the Presiding Officer regarding the possibility of holding future hybrid meetings for the Committee. (Hybrid: meetings where some members are physically present and others take part remotely)
Scottish Government identify key groups who need additional support during the COVID-19 outbreak
The Scottish Refugee Council wrote to the Convener regarding homelessness affecting refugees and the need for safe transition and recovery out of COVID-19
We sought views from planning stakeholders, such as whether it will have a negative effect on the planning system or whether it amounts to a proportionate and practical temporary response to the emergency. Please read the response from Planning Democracy.
We wrote to all 32 Local Authorities seeking clarification on how they are managing business continuity in general and specifically in relation to planning and licensing in light of recent developments.
Read responses from Local Authorities here
Third Sector Resilience Fund
We agreed to write to SCVO, Firstport, Social Investment Scotland, Corra Foundation and to each Third Sector Interface (TSI) regarding what measures the Scottish Government have in place to ensure the fund is reaching third sector organisations.
Read responses from TSI's and joint submission from SCVO, Firstport, Social Investment Scotland and Corra Foundation here
COSLA Update
Please read an update from COSLA around the essential work that Local Government across Scotland is undertaking in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 and Emergency SSIs
Subordinate Legislation
Homeless Persons (Unsuitable Accommodation) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2020
Town and Country Planning (Miscellaneous Temporary Modifications) (Coronavirus) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (SSI 2020/124)