The work of committees

KU PRACTICE QUESTIONS Explain, in detail, why the committee system ensures that the Scottish government are actively scrutinised. Give a maximum of two reasons in your answer. 6 Explain, in detail, the methods through which Scottish Parliament Committees can influence legislation. You should mention a maximum of three methods in your answer. 8

Fill out the ‘explain’ & ‘example’ column of the table given. why the committee system ensures that the Scottish government are actively scrutinised. Fill out the ‘explain’ & ‘example’ column of the table given. You must summarise the slide IN YOUR OWN WORDS!!! It is the only way you will actually remember this information!!

Scrutinising bills Committees scrutinise proposed bills and make amendments where they feel necessary to be sent back to the Government to consider. They need to know that bills will work in practise and seek out the advice of different groups of people to help them. Committees can take evidence by letter or email, invite witnesses to give evidence in person before the committee, and the committee members can even travel to external locations on fact-finding visits to gather information first hand from groups, organisations and businesses. For example- The Health and Care (staffing) (Scotland) Bill is currently being scrutinised by the Health and Sport committee, many amendments will be made to this Bill before possibly being moved to the next stage.

Report to Parliament Committees discuss and write reports for the Parliament to consider. Reports will recommend whether the parliament should agree to a bill. The valuable work of Committees directly contributes to the effectiveness of Parliament as a whole, as it allows the chamber to check the work of the executive and hold the government to account. For example- The Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill 2014, underwent scrutiny from 4 committees before being reintroduced to Scottish parliament. This Committee would have kept Parliament up-to-date on any changes made and an official report on the Bill would have been shared with Parliament, thus allowing scrutiny of the work of the executive.

Question the executive Committee’s have extensive power as they can check the work of the executive by asking Scottish ministers about legislation their government department has proposed to introduce. This is one-way government Ministers can be held to account or be asked questions to provide clarification on a bill or policy. The committees have the power to require anyone to give evidence before them and to produce reports in connection with their enquiries. For example- John Swinney MSP can be called before the Education and Skills committee for clarification surrounding an educational policy the executive wish to implement.

Fill out the ‘explain’ & ‘example’ column of the table given. methods through which Scottish Parliament Committees can influence legislation. Fill out the ‘explain’ & ‘example’ column of the table given. You must summarise the slide IN YOUR OWN WORDS!!! It is the only way you will actually remember this information!!

Scrutinising bills Committees scrutinise proposed bills and make amendments where they feel necessary to be sent back to the Government to consider. They need to know that bills will work in practise and seek out the advice of different groups of people to help them. Committees can take evidence by letter or email, invite witnesses to give evidence in person before the committee, and the committee members can even travel to external locations on fact-finding visits to gather information first hand from groups, organisations and businesses. For example- The Health and Care (staffing) (Scotland) Bill is currently being scrutinised by the Health and Sport committee, many amendments will be made to this Bill before possibly being moving to the next stage.

CAN ALSO BE USED FOR PREVIOUS QUESTION!!!! Proposing Bills Committees can also suggest bills to Parliament. This can emerge of the expert advice given surrounding a specific issue or policy. These inquiries can be conducted into how effective legislation passed by the parliament has worked in practice- ‘post-legislative’ scrutiny. CAN ALSO BE USED FOR PREVIOUS QUESTION!!!! Committees have the power to introduce a Committee bill. If there is enough support for a Committee Bill in Parliament it can be passed and become an act of law. For example- In 2010 the Scottish Parliamentary Commissions and Commissioners etc. Bill was introduced by Trish Godman MSP (on behalf of the Review of SPCB Supported Bodies Committee). This Committee bill aimed to revise earlier legislation centred around policy effecting public life.

Report to Parliament Committees discuss and write reports for the Parliament to consider. Reports will recommend whether the parliament should agree to a bill. Committee reports can have an influence on how MSPs vote in Parliament. As committees will scrutinise and create a report for parliament recommending amendments or giving advice to be taken into consideration before the passing of a prospective bill. Committees can be very successful at influencing the legislation passed. For example- The Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill 2014, underwent scrutiny from 4 committees before being reintroduced to Scottish parliament. This Committee would have kept Parliament up-to-date on any changes made and an official report on the Bill would have been shared with Parliament, thus allowing influence over prospective legislation.

Question the executive POINT EXPLAIN EXAMPLE Scrutinise bills   Report to Parliament Propose bills Question the executive