Minutes: 17 February 2026

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 4 in private.

2. Subordinate Legislation:

The Committee took evidence on—

the Private Housing Rent Control (Exempt Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft]

the Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft]

the Council Tax (Variation for Unoccupied Dwellings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2026 [draft]

anticipated regulations introducing minimum energy efficiency standards for private rented sector properties

from—

Gillian Campbell, Director, Existing Homes Alliance Scotland;

Anna Gardiner, Senior Policy Adviser (Business & Property), Scottish Land and Estates;

Gillian McLees, National Director, Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland;

Tom Ockendon, Policy Lead, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations;

Aoife Deery, Senior Policy Officer (Social Justice), Citizens Advice Scotland;

Sharon Egan, Representative, Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO);

Emma Saunders, National Organiser, Living Rent;

Elaine Waterson, Policy Manager (Scotland), Energy Saving Trust;

Mike Callaghan, Policy Manager, COSLA.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instruments—

Non-Domestic Rate (Scotland) Order 2026 (SSI 2026/39)

Non-Domestic Rating (Valuation of Utilities) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2026 (SSI 2026/44)

4. Subordinate Legislation (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.