Elena Whitham
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“More homes Scotland will help to drive forward the Government’s core priorities of eradicating child poverty and growing our economy. To do that, we must focus on building more social homes and maximising investment in Scotland’s housing sector generally. We have a very strong record in Scotland in that regard.”
“Elena Whitham: I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests—I am a member of Shelter Scotland’s committee. Given that far too many children live in temporary accommodation, more homes Scotland must be integral to ending homelessness, and its creation is most welcome.”
“To ask the Scottish Government whether addressing affordable housing need and tackling homelessness will be more homes Scotland’s core mission. (S6O- 05714) The Cabinet Secretary for Housing (Màiri McAllan): Increasing the supply of affordable homes is key to addressing housing need and critical to tackling homelessness.”
“I thank my colleague Brian Whittle for securing this excellent debate. I rise to speak about sport being a force for good with a mixture of pride, gratitude and a sense of coming full circle.”
“It has a proud history, a trophy-winning junior team that inspires huge local pride and a vocal but good- natured rivalry with its next-door neighbour, Auchinleck Talbot Football Club.”
“It means recognising that participation looks different at different stages of life, whether that is walking football, which is delivered in partnership with Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland and supports people to stay active and connected, or inclusive cycling opportunities for those with learning disabilities, which is developed alongside…”
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“AMMF provides vital information and support to patients and their loved ones, funds groundbreaking research and works tirelessly to ensure that CCA is no longer a cancer that slips under the radar. Its commitment is nothing short of inspiring, and I know that colleagues across the chamber will join me in thanking it for everything that it does. Although CCA is most common in people over the age of 60, it is deeply concerning that we are now seeing an increase in cases among younger people. The reasons for that trend are rightly and urgently being investigated, but it reminds us that cancer does not discriminate by age, background or lifestyle. We must ensure that awareness- raising campaigns, screening tools and support networks reflect that reality. Early detection saves lives. That is the case for many cancers.”
“People might experience fatigue, nausea or a loss of appetite— symptoms that could easily be mistaken for minor or unrelated conditions. As a result, by the time that most people receive a diagnosis, the cancer has already progressed to a stage at which treatment options are limited. That delay in diagnosis contributes to what is, tragically, one of the poorest survival rates of any cancer. It is for precisely that reason that raising awareness among the public and healthcare professionals is so critical. I, too, want to take a moment to recognise the incredible work that is being done by AMMF, which is the UK’s only charity that is dedicated solely to CCA.”
“Having lost a much-loved family member to aggressive liver cancer at the start of the year, just as he entered his 60s, I thank Marie McNair for securing this debate. She has my strong support as we recognise October 2025 as liver cancer awareness month and, in particular, as we shine a light on cholangiocarcinoma, which is the second most common primary liver cancer worldwide. Cholangiocarcinoma, or CCA, is a condition that far too many people have never heard of—how many people in here ever think of their bile duct?—yet its impact on those who are diagnosed and on their families is absolutely devastating. As we have heard, one of the greatest challenges with CCA is that it tends to hide in plain sight. In its early stages, it rarely presents with clear or specific symptoms.”
“Màiri McAllan: I have already made it clear that I will not give the Conservatives a platform for one more moment—not on my watch. The Conservatives are wrong, they know that they are wrong, and they ought to stop spreading the mistruths. There are pressures on our housing system, which are driven not least by the pressures on households and our economy after the years of Conservative chaos in”
“The Deputy Presiding Officer: Speak through the chair, cabinet secretary. Màiri McAllan: Secondly, the Conservatives misunderstand the rules on local connection. Let me explain those rules to them. The changes that were made in November 2022 only prevent a Scottish local authority from referring a homeless household to another Scottish local authority in which that household has a local connection. That was praised as giving homeless households the choice that anybody else would expect. The change did not alter local connection rules for refugee households. As things stand, nothing prevents a Scottish local authority from referring a homeless refugee household back to parts of England and Wales in which that household has a local connection. Russell Findlay: Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention on that point?”
“Whatever certain politicians do to characterise the situation, we are talking about people—people with hopes, people with aspirations, people who have suffered and human beings who should be treated with dignity and respect. I will promptly address what are, flatly, errors in the Conservative motion. First, the Conservatives wilfully misuse the terms “illegal immigration” and “asylum seekers”, conflating two fundamentally different issues. The term “illegal migrant” is not only divisive and dehumanising; it is also inaccurate. People are not illegal. Seeking asylum is a right. In fact, it is the lack of safe routes to the UK that makes migration take irregular presentations. Russell Findlay: Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention? Màiri McAllan: I am not giving you one more second of our time. Members: Oh!”
“I move, That the Parliament believes that illegal immigration must be stopped because of the damaging impact on public finances and local communities; recognises that the Scottish Government’s decision to suspend local connection rules in relation to homelessness provision back in 2022 has contributed towards attracting asylum seekers to Scotland at an unsustainable level, and calls on the Scottish Government to immediately reverse this decision. 15:00 The Cabinet Secretary for Housing (Màiri McAllan): I cannot say that I am pleased to open in this debate for the Government. The Conservatives brought a similar motion only four weeks ago, and on that day a number of contributions crossed the line. Today, they have taken the biscuit, frankly. I start by appealing for care in the language that we use this afternoon.”
“Will the member take an intervention? Russell Findlay: I am sorry, but I have no time remaining. Glasgow declared a housing emergency two years ago and it has a mountain of debt, which stands at £1.6 billion and is rising. It is little wonder that Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken has suggested a pause on asylum seeker dispersals to Glasgow, while her SNP colleague concedes that the existing system risks damaging social cohesion. The Deputy Presiding Officer: You need to wind up. Russell Findlay: I end by saying it loud and clear: the public purse cannot afford this. It is unsustainable. That is not racist. It is not far right. It is simply right.”
“Therefore, the bill does not require a supermajority to be passed at stage 3. Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill”
“Amendment 50 agreed to. Section 26—Regulation-making powers Amendments 51 and 52 moved—[Angela Constance]—and agreed to. Schedule—Domestic homicide and suicide reviews: public appointments Amendments 53 to 57 moved—[Angela Constance]—and agreed to. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes stage 3 consideration of amendments. As members will be aware, the Presiding Officer is required under standing orders to decide whether or not, in her view, any provision of a bill relates to a protected subject matter—that is, whether it modifies the electoral system and franchise for Scottish parliamentary elections. In the Presiding Officer’s view, no provision of the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill relates to a protected subject matter.”
“[Made a request to intervene.] The Deputy Presiding Officer: I invite Elena Whitham to make a contribution. Elena Whitham: I was just going to intervene on the cabinet secretary to ask whether it could be made clear in the statutory guidance that victims organisations such as Scottish Women’s Aid and others will be represented in the panels and on the committee. Angela Constance: I offer my apologies to Ms Whitham for not catching her intervention request on the screen in front of me. I reassure her that my officials continue to meet Scottish Women’s Aid and did so most recently on 26 September. That meeting was around that very point—the importance of statutory guidance and ensuring that, at all times, we have the right people around the table to do the review, so that we get the right learning. I can give her that guarantee.”
“We have all heard of animals being harmed or killed by an abuser in retaliation for someone leaving home. We need to ensure that it is known that that can happen. The fact that someone can abuse an animal is an indicator that they could be abusive to people as well. There is a read-across there. It is true that post-legislative scrutiny is required, but I am not sure that committees have the capacity to do that. The bill has a lot of support—it is supported by Dogs Trust, the Scottish SPCA, Blue Cross, Guide Dogs and many other organisations. We are obliged to get the bill right and to introduce better legislation in the next session of Parliament that will bring together all the legislation that we have in this area, so that it is comprehensive and covers all aspects. 16:31”
“The lack of committee time is also the reason for the lack of post-legislative scrutiny that is undertaken. Christine Grahame: As a cat lover, I want to correct what Rhoda Grant said. The saying is, “Dogs have owners. Cats have staff.” Rhoda Grant: That is indeed true. My cat tells me what I should do, not the other way round. I try to tell her what to do, but she does not listen. To be serious, and to return to the bill, many members have talked about data collection. We need to get that right, because we need to know what the scale of the problem is and how prevalent dog theft is. Elena Whitham talked about the scale of the animal cruelty that is perpetrated in the context of domestic abuse. Although that might not be an issue for the bill, we need to record the fact that it happens. It forces people back into abusive relationships.”
“I am owned by a cat—that is the difference between cats and dogs—and cats need protection as well, although I think that they would probably make their own way home if someone decided to take them. Finlay Carson: Given Rhoda Grant’s position on the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee since the start of this parliamentary session, she will recognise that there were discussions there about a committee bill to look at bringing all the pet legislation together. The opportunity to do that was not available because of the already heavy burden of legislation to consider. It should be down to the Government to introduce a consolidation bill that would include cats and other pet animals. Rhoda Grant: Yes, I think that that is a really good idea. Committee time is heavily constrained, so it is difficult to see how that could otherwise be done.”
“Mark Ruskell said that the introduction of the UK legislation saw a fall in the number of thefts, but that it is difficult to say whether that was an effect of the legislation. We will need to have an eye to that, especially if we are to undertake post- legislative scrutiny. Richard Leonard and Emma Harper talked about other aspects that we should consider in relation to animal welfare. Emma Harper introduced her own bill on sheep worrying, which became the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021. Richard Leonard talked about dog fighting and organised crime. There is agreement around the chamber that there is a need for more comprehensive legislation. I join Richard Leonard and Elena Whitham in making a plea for similar provision for cats.”
“Richard Leonard said that it is about compassion and decency. I think that that is right: it is not only about the welfare of the animal but about the welfare of the owner. Others have referred to the pleasure and company that dogs give us. Jamie Halcro Johnston and Mark Ruskell said that dogs are members of the family—for those who own dogs, that is so true. If it is to achieve anything, the bill will need to raise awareness of such crime. Members do not often have resources to do that, so it would be good if the Government were to explore how we could do so. I understand that it is setting up an advisory group, so perhaps that group could consider how we might raise such awareness.”
“Let this bill, through careful scrutiny and amendment, reflect the lived realities of those facing abuse. Let it say clearly that you cannot use someone’s animal against them and expect the law to look away. I would be devastated if someone stole my wee black and tan Jack Russell, Mojo—or Mr Mojo Risin’, to give him his full title. I love it when I get home on a Thursday night and he is waiting in the hallway for me— more than any other members of my family, it is the dog who is waiting for me. I support the general principles of the bill and I look forward to working with colleagues across the chamber to ensure that it offers real protection not only to the animals but to the people who love them. 16:26 Rhoda Grant: It has been an interesting debate. It is good to see so much agreement around the chamber about how the bill is viewed.”
“That would signal that our legal system recognises the full range of abusive behaviours and that it will not ignore the suffering that is caused to the animal’s owner and the pet itself by the theft, harm or manipulation of a companion animal. I take on board what my colleague Christine Grahame said about the purpose of the bill, but I also want to raise a concern, voiced clearly and compassionately by Cats Protection, which rightly pointed out that cats must not be forgotten in our legislative response. Cats, like dogs, are deeply loved members of households, and they, too, are used in coercive contexts. They, too, are stolen, harmed or used to manipulate. Although the bill focuses on dogs, it is important that any aggravator related to domestic abuse must be species neutral. Abuse does not discriminate, and neither should the law.”
“Perpetrators can be prosecuted for separate offences, but we have no understanding of how many perpetrators have been prosecuted specifically for harming a pet to further their abuse of the survivor and of any children involved. Please believe me when I say that I have witnessed far too many occasions on which a woman has had to leave the safety of refuge to return to her abuser, with her children, due to his treatment of the family dog and the desperate pleas from her children. I urge the bill’s proposer and the Scottish Government to consider an aggravation for offences committed in the context of domestic abuse or the explicit linking up of those two offences, which are currently separate.”
“Thankfully, the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 recognised the pernicious nature of coercive control and set it out as an aggravator in domestic abuse prosecutions. However, there is currently no specific data available in Scotland for the number of prosecutions combining domestic abuse coercive control with actions against a pet. Although coercive control is now finally a crime under the 2018 act and animal welfare laws can address cruelty, there is no specific legal offence or statistical category that links the two aspects together, making it difficult to track such prosecutions. The legal system does not currently collect data that cross-references domestic abuse charges with instances of animal abuse.”
“We know from survivor testimony and from research that has been conducted by organisations such as the Dogs Trust, through its freedom project, that pets are often used by abusers to exert power and control. In my previous work, I saw harrowing examples of beloved animals being stolen or harmed, with abusers threatening to kill or get rid of a pet unless a woman returned home, or even using the custody of a dog as leverage in post-separation abuse. One survivor described to me how her partner would remove her dog from the house for days at a time when she tried to leave, only returning it when she complied. That is not just theft or cruelty but a continuation of abuse, and it must be recognised as such in law.”
“I am speaking in support of the general principles of Maurice Golden’s Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill. In doing so, I will focus my remarks on whether to include an aggravator when a dog is weaponised as part of a broader pattern of coercive control in cases of domestic abuse. Having worked for Scottish Women’s Aid, supporting survivors of domestic abuse, I have long advocated for a trauma-informed approach to justice and policy making. It is through that lens that I urge us to consider the lived experience of survivors—in particular, women and children— who have been subjected to domestic abuse in which the family pet has become another tool of manipulation, fear and control.”
“Deputy Presiding Officer, I thank you for your permission to leave before the end of the question session, and I apologise to you and to members for having to do so. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the “Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045”, including in relation to riparian woodland planting. (S6O-04990)”
“To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of any implications for its work to address poverty amongst older people of recent findings by the Living Wage Foundation that a majority of people on a low-income pension in the United Kingdom are unable to cover basic living costs. (S6F-04335)”
“Amendment 308 disagreed to. The Presiding Officer: At that point, I draw the bill proceedings to a close. Business Motion 20:58”
“For Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) [Proxy vote cast by Willie Rennie] Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 47, Against 59, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment 307 disagreed to. Amendment 308 moved—[Pam Duncan- Glancy]. The Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 308 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“For Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Ewing, Annabelle (Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) [Proxy vote cast by Willie Rennie] Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 47, Against 60, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment 106 disagreed to. Amendment 307 moved—[Pam Duncan- Glancy]. The Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 307 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division. The vote is closed. Martin Whitfield: On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I am unsure whether my vote has been registered. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: I can confirm that your vote was recorded.”
“For Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) [Proxy vote cast by Willie Rennie] Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 47, Against 59, Abstentions 0.”
“Amendment 306 disagreed to. Section 41—Duties of relevant bodies in relation to homelessness Amendment 106 moved—[Jeremy Balfour]. The Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 106 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“For Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Lab) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Lab) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Golden, Maurice (North East Scotland) (Con) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) [Proxy vote cast by Ross Greer] McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Against Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Cole-Hamilton, Alex (Edinburgh Western) (LD) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grahame, Christine (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) Rennie, Willie (North East Fife) (LD) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) [Proxy vote cast by Fulton MacGregor] Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) [Proxy vote cast by Willie Rennie] Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division is: For 46, Against 60, Abstentions 0.”
“I hope that the cabinet secretary will be prepared to discuss the issues with us. I also hope that, when I come to press my amendments, I go with the right ones—it is difficult to read the room and to know which ones people will support. I go back to a point that I made earlier. The cabinet secretary talked about doing more of some things. It would be good for us to be able to influence future consultations and guidance, because ensuring that guidance is implemented is critical if we are to prevent homelessness. That issue could not be more urgent. I press amendment 306. The Presiding Officer: The question is, that amendment 306 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“She and Edward Mountain raised employment issues. Meghan Gallacher made a point about shared responsibilities. There was such a lot in what was said. We do not want the cabinet secretary to say that, although we have not done these things, we have ticked the box, so the bill can be passed. It is about what happens next. I suspect that some of us would be very up for future conversations, because we need to supercharge action against homelessness. Pam Duncan-Glancy’s comments about care leavers and Mark Griffin’s comments about GPs are critical. Children’s rights are central to what we are doing, because we want to protect people now and protect future generations in Scotland, including the disadvantaged groups that Maggie Chapman mentioned. There is an awful lot in what has been said.”
“We are all trying to strengthen the bill and the work that is done by a range of organisations across the public sector to prevent homelessness, because the issue is not going away. I will press amendment 306, because this is a now issue. A lot is being done by local authorities and charities, but we need to do more. Strengthening the framework for the ask and act duties is critical, as is linking prevention work across the country so that people see a difference being made. If the bill is to be successful, some of the amendments that others have lodged will be necessary. Jeremy Balfour’s comments about the housing emergency were bang on. People who are homeless need permanent accommodation, and the issue of people with protected characteristics was raised. Elena Whitham mentioned child poverty.”
“It says that such persons should be classed as homeless and that they should be rehoused within three months of their employment ending. I think that that is a fair balance and that it is the right balance. Amendment 382 is consequential to amendment 330, which I think is necessary—otherwise, I would not have lodged it. I have looked at the other amendments in the group, and I will be able to support Jeremy Balfour’s amendments. There is much in Sarah Boyack’s amendments that I like, but I think that she pushes a bit far on occasion and stretches the envelope. However, I know that she feels that she is doing what is best and that therefore her amendments are necessary, too. I will vote for those that I think are appropriate. Sarah Boyack: This has been a useful and constructive debate about a variety of amendments.”
“I fundamentally disagree with what the cabinet secretary said about it, and I find it frustrating that she wrote it off as unnecessary. In my opinion, the amendment is necessary for the simple reason that people who live in accommodation that is provided as part of their job will no longer have that accommodation should they no longer have that job. There is a balance to be struck here, as there is with all things in life. The person who comes in to take on their job will probably need that house. If that person is prevented from moving in, it is unlikely that the business will be able to continue to function in the way that it does. I take the cabinet secretary’s point that local authorities have a duty to assess the condition of each person who applies for housing. However, the purpose of amendment 330 is different.”
“The housing first experts whom I consulted in writing the amendments are concerned that the energy and speed behind housing first has ebbed somewhat. The right to housing first for which amendment 333 provides would act as a major incentive to up the tempo in rolling out housing first support, and the reporting mechanism that amendment 334 proposes would provide a clear steer for doing so. I understand from an email from a Scottish Government representative that the Scottish Government will support amendment 334, and I am grateful for that. However, we need a more complete picture when it comes to housing first, and I urge the Government and others to support amendment 333. Edward Mountain: I will speak to my amendment 330.”
“If we are serious about our homelessness prevention work reaching those who are most in need, we need targeted and specific support to be provided for communities that bear the brunt of stigma and discrimination. Amendment 335 would empower the Scottish Government to extend the right to keep a pet to those who live in homeless accommodation. The bill already does that for social and private sector housing tenants. I hope that every member would want to extend that benefit to those without a secure home. Amendments 333 and 334 aim to support the roll-out of housing first. In many ways, housing first is a silver bullet for tackling homelessness for those with multiple and complex needs, but it is rolling out too slowly.”
“Amendment 326, in the name of the cabinet secretary, who was not active on the issue at stage 2, will allow us to change the definition of intentionality, which is welcome. However, it stops short of complete abolition and replacement with a more appropriate alternative, which Crisis and others have suggested is necessary. Amendments 18 and 332 would require homelessness strategies to be prepared for LGBTQ+ and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Those communities have particular challenges that stem from stigma and discrimination, and that stigma and discrimination is on the rise. I am grateful to LGBT Youth Scotland for its help in preparing amendment 18, and for Alexander Stewart’s work on the amendment on Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.”
“It would treat their injury, and the person, with compassion and dignity. That is how our health service works, and it is how our homelessness services should work, too. 20:45 We have been moving in that direction for a long time, and we have already removed the requirement for local authorities to assess intentionality. Let us finish that job and abolish this cruel assessment, not just tweak around the edges. If the Scottish Government is not able to support doing that through amendment 110, I ask it to at least keep the issue on the agenda by supporting the reporting requirement that is proposed in amendment 236. I acknowledge that the Scottish Government has listened to what Greens and others said at previous stages.”
“If looked at from that point of view, they are absolutely not about choosing to become homeless; rather, such action should be taken to escape abuse, to get away from dangerous or compromising situations or to keep people safe. Crisis skylight Edinburgh, in the Lothians, has not worked with anyone assessed as intentionally homeless who has not also had underlying support needs. Too many homelessness support services use up resources in challenging intentionality decisions. Crisis has made it clear that the intentionality test cannot be reformed to make it fairer; instead, Crisis says that it must be abolished and replaced with a much tighter concept. If someone turned up at a hospital with an injury, our NHS would not provide lesser or no treatment simply because the person had deliberately injured themselves.”
“Similarly, with regard to amendments 333 and 384 in respect of the housing first approach, I hope that Maggie Chapman knows that I have the greatest respect and support for that approach; I have just committed an extra £4 million to expand it this year. I cannot support amendment 384, but I will support amendment 334, which calls for an annual report to be published on housing first. I will leave it there, Presiding Officer. Maggie Chapman: I have several different amendments in the group and, as I have been brief in speaking to amendments in previous groups and have accepted interventions, I ask for a little bit of patience. Amendments 110 and 236 concern the power to assess someone as intentionally homeless. Although some actions might seem intentional, they often stem from trauma, violence and disadvantage.”
“With regard to the provision in this amendment, however, I am not prepared to enable massive swathes of homelessness law to be repealed and re-enacted by secondary legislation. That is inappropriate. Presiding Officer, if you need me to wind up, I will probably have to miss out some of the other amendments in the group. The Presiding Officer: I would be grateful if you could begin to draw your remarks to a conclusion. Màiri McAllan: Okay—I will do so very quickly. Amendments 335 and 385, from Maggie Chapman, refer to the right to keep pets. We have already addressed pets and personalisation in the bill. Although there is no legal duty to do this, local authorities will be expected to consider the housing needs of any individual, including their pets.”
“Martin Whitfield: Is it not right that that is the very method that the Scottish Government has, on a number of occasions, indicated that it is going to use to ensure that the UNCRC rights are available for young people? In its offering in a bill that pre- dates the start of the UNCRC incorporation process in Scotland, the Government has not taken the opportunity to take it into account, as it assured members in the chamber that it would do. The Presiding Officer: Cabinet secretary, I ask you, if you could, to begin to draw your remarks to a conclusion. Màiri McAllan: Yes, I absolutely will. I cannot comment on other bills, although I am sure that my ministerial colleagues who deal with the UNCRC legislation in particular would know the details of that.”
“Amendments 331 and 383, in Mark Griffin’s name, refer—as he has taken us through—to the UNCRC requirements. I hope that Mr Griffin is aware of my commitment to meet the needs of children who are experiencing homelessness, but I am afraid that amendment 331 is not the right way to do that. The power that it proposes to confer is far too broad. It would allow Scottish ministers to repeal and re-enact the whole of part 2 of the 1987 act for any purpose, which is not appropriate in secondary legislation, so I cannot support it. Martin Whitfield: Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention on that point? Màiri McAllan: If I have time, Presiding Officer—yes.”
“Again, I absolutely acknowledge that some groups, including those listed, will face specific challenges that put them at risk of homelessness. However, the homelessness prevention measures in the bill, like those in Scotland generally, apply to all of those who are threatened with homelessness and do not discriminate with regard to particular groups. I am nearly there, Presiding Officer. Amendments 330 and 382, from Edward Mountain, seek to clarify homelessness rights for those in accommodation that is tied to their employment. Local authorities are already required by law to assess someone’s needs based on their circumstances and their current accommodation, regardless of their employment status, so I will oppose those amendments as they are unnecessary.”
“A more appropriate approach is the one that I have sought to set out in amendment 326, in my name. It will provide a delegated power to modify, repeal or replace the legislative framework on intentional homelessness with a requirement to consult on the use of the affirmative procedure. That will allow for proper engagement and detailed policy and legal analysis while ensuring full parliamentary scrutiny. It is important that we do not pre-empt the findings of that important work on intentionality, and I therefore ask that members do not support the other amendments. Amendment 18 and, similarly, amendment 332, from Maggie Chapman, seek to legislate for homelessness prevention strategies in respect of the LGBT+ community and the Gypsy Traveller community respectively.”
“That point also attends to amendment 109. Amendments 110 and 236, in Maggie Chapman’s name, relate to a different topic, which is intentional homelessness. Amendment 110 would require ministers, within a year of royal assent, to “carry out a public consultation on removing the ability” to treat intentional homelessness differently, followed by the publication of a report on other provisions. However, the amendment provides no timescale for that report and would allow ministers to repeal and replace existing primary legislation by regulations with no specified parliamentary procedure. That would be constitutionally inappropriate and I cannot support it. Amendment 236 would require a report within two years of royal assent, which would risk pre- empting the outcome of the consultation that is planned later this year.”
“I will quickly try to move through some of the bodies suggested in amendments, but the principle is that, if appropriate, we would add them having consulted them. Amendment 322 is about GP practices, which I know are of particular interest. We have already included health boards and special health boards in the list because community link workers in particular could have an important role to play. I am happy to consider further bodies, but I do not think that GPs are appropriate to add at this stage. Similarly, on amendment 324, we are engaging with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service about its potential inclusion on the list at a later date, but that work has not been completed. On amendment 325, the bill already includes the Scottish ministers in the list of relevant bodies in so far as we have functions in relation to social security.”