Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee

1. Decision on taking business in private: The Committee will decide whether to take items 3 and 4 in private. 2. Community Councils: The Committee will take evidence from— Brian Davey, Communications Officer, Improvement Service; Dr Oliver Escobar, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy, University of Edinburgh; Andrew Paterson, Policy and Research Officer, Scottish Community Development Centre; Emma Swift, Communications Officer, Improvement Service; Jackie Weaver, Chief Officer, Cheshire Association of Local Councils; and then from— John Bachtler, Chair, Cambuslang Community Council; Barry Cathie, Community Councillor, Royal Burgh of Rutherglen Community Council; Debra Duke, Community Council Liaison Office, Moray Council; Steve Kerr, Chair, Edinburgh Association of Community Councils; Alastair Kennedy, Chair, Joint Community Councils of Moray; Shayne McLeod, Vice Chair, Association of Shetland Community Councils; Bill Pitt, Chair, New Aberdour, Tyrie, and Pennan Community Council; Donald Stavert, Treasurer, Joint Forum of Community Councils in West Lothian; Ewart McAuslane, Treasurer, Tillicoultry Coalsnaughton & Devonside Community Council. 3. Community Councils: The Committee will consider the evidence heard earlier in the meeting. 4. Annual report: The Committee will consider a draft annual report for the parliamentary year from 13 May 2022 to 12 May 2023.