1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 4 and 5 in private.

2. Local Government, Housing and Planning:

The Committee took evidence from—

David Allan, Deputy Director, Scottish Community Development Centre;

Paul Bradley, Policy & Public Affairs Manager, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations;

Sarah Gadsen, Chief Executive, Improvement Service;

Angus Hardie, Director, Scottish Community Alliance;

Paul O'Brien, Chief Executive, Association for Public Service Excellence;

Kim Fellows, Commissioning Editor, Local Government Information Unit.

The following interests were declared—

Meghan Gallacher declared an interest as a councillor in North Lanarkshire Council;

Elena Whitham declared an interest as a councillor in East Ayrshire Council;

Paul McLennan declared an interest as a councillor in East Lothian Council.

3. Electoral Arrangements Regulations:

The Committee took evidence from—

Ronnie Hinds, Chair, Ailsa Henderson,Deputy Chair and Colin Wilson,Review Manager for the Scottish Boundary Commissions Secretariat, Boundaries Scotland .

Ariane Burgess declared an interest as a Highlands and Islands Region MSP.

4. Local Government, Housing and Planning (in private):

The Committee considered evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

5. Electoral Arrangements Regulations (in private):

The Committee considered evidence heard earlier in the meeting.