Minutes: 18 November 2025

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 4 in private.

2. Draft Climate Change Plan:

The Committee took evidence in roundtable format from—

Dr Richard Atkins, Chartered Architect, The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland;

Dr Jocelyne Fleming, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer, Chartered Institute of Building;

Io Hadjicosta, Representative, Stop Climate Chaos Coalition;

Cornelia Helmcke, Representative, Scottish Research Alliance for Energy, Homes and Livelihoods (SRAEHL);

Alistair Hill, Head of Energy Transition, Consumer Scotland;

Neil Osborne, Service Lead, Climate and Energy, Highland Council;

David Raine, Policy Manager, Homes for Scotland;

Derek Rankine, Head of Policy and Strategy, Built Environment Forum Scotland;

Professor Janette Webb, Professorial Fellow, Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instruments—

Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003 (Rural Housing Bodies) Amendment Order 2025 (SSI 2025/298);
Building (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/312).

The Committee agreed to make no recommendations in relation to SSI 2025/298.

The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government for further information regarding SSI 2025/312, and to consider the instrument again at a future meeting.

4. Draft Climate Change Plan (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier in the meeting. The Committee agreed to invite further witnesses to give oral evidence and delegated to the Convener responsibility for finalising those witnesses.

5. Tracker Report 2024-25 (in private):

The Committee considered a draft report.  Various changes were agreed to and the Committee agreed to consider a revised draft via correspondence.