Lesson Starter

What will I learn? About the work of the committees in the Scottish Parliament.

Success Criteria I can recall the work a committee does I can list the different types of committees I can outline the different examples of committee work

Committees The Committee System allows for accessibility, openness and participation. It is generally accepted that the real work of the parliament is done in the committee rooms. Every piece of legislation coming out the parliament will have come under the scrutiny of one or more of the committees. Remember the stages of passing a law? Stages 1+2 scrutinises the legislation before debated by the parliament.

Committees and Openness The committee system allows for the participation of as many people as possible in the democratic process. Normally meet in public and can do so anywhere in Scotland, not just in the Parliament. Since the Scottish Parliament was established in 1999, around 100 committee meetings have been held outside Edinburgh. Most allow the public to attend- true democracy in action.

Examples of External Committee Meetings The Equal Opportunities Committee met in the City Chambers, Glasgow, in June The Health and Sport Committee met in a hotel in Bannoch.

What does this mean? This situation gives committees significant strength in influencing decision making in the Scottish Parliament. Committees scrutinise very scrap of legislation. Most amendments to bills are made during committee meetings. Scottish Government held to account by the work of the committees.

ExampleExample of Scrutiny Margo McDonald's End of Life Assistance Bill (2010) Committee set up with the same name to investigate and take evidence. The bill would have allowed people whose lives became intolerable through a progressive degenerative condition, a trauma or terminal illness to seek a doctor’s help in dying. Experts, doctors and specialists were brought in to give evidence. The bill was rejected- defeated by 85 votes in parliament.

Holding to the government to account Committees hold power to propose legislation or deal with important issues that have a big impact on society. Release of the Lockerbie bomber by Kenny McCaskill on ‘compassionate grounds’ Justice Committee conducted an inquiry on the possible release as after he became ill with cancer. ‘Symbolic vote’- MSPs voted against it and committee denied involvement in release.

Membership Committee membership is restricted to MSPs who are not in the government. The appointment of members takes account of the balance of political parties and groupings in the parliament. Because of the party whip- many will follow their party line within committees- sometimes can be a conflict of interest.

Membership 15 committees 5 led by the SNP, 5 Labour, 2 Conservatives, 2 Liberal Democrats and 1 Green Party. The system means opposition parties could push through legislation or be critical towards the government. ‘Members must work constructively, putting the interests of the country before political objectives’

Types of Committees Must have mandatory committees- currently 8. Examples- Public Petitions and Equal Opportunities Committees. At the start of each session they establish subject committees. There are currently 7. Justice, Education and Lifelong learning.

Gathering Evidence and Information Most of the work of committees is gathering and recording of evidence. Witnesses give evidence. This work is mainly carried out when they have to scrutinise the activity of the government, scrutinise a bill, decide whether to propose a bill and consider proposals for a members bill.

Justice Committee Work Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill – tackle the problem of Sectarianism- ‘Scotland’s Shame’ MSPs on the committee backed the bill to tackle sectarianism with new jail terms of up to five years by five votes to four. Academics and football pundits asked to give evidence to the justice committeeAcademics and football pundits asked to give evidence to the justice committee Representatives from both the Celtic and Rangers supporters club also gave evidence to show both sides. Bill passed.

Public Petitions Committee Considers petitions that have been submitted to the Scottish Parliament. Key part of the commitment to openness. Petitions can have a positive impact Lead to changes in the law, start debates.

Current Public Petitions Examples Petition by Nairn McDonald calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to make sure every school can provide adequate sports facilities and resources for their students and to create a minimum level of facilities available.

Private Bill Committee Private bill committees are established after a private bill has been introduced to the parliament by a person who is not an MSP. Committees are set up to gather evidence on the bill. They can last a long time until a decision is reached. Usually to do with development of land. Example- Edinburgh tram bill Committee- decision whether to allow trams to be built in Edinburgh.