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Showing 60 of 2,095,827 contributions. Latest 30 days: 3,357. Coverage: 12 May 1999 — 10 Jun 2026.
Hugh Henry (Renfrewshire South) (Lab) Lab Chamber
10 Mar 2016
Lobbying (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3
Will the member take an intervention?
The Convener Lab Committee
08 Mar 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Just before we go into private session, I want to say that this is our last meeting of this parliamentary session and my last committee meeting as a convener. I was convener of the European Committee and was then interrupted by a stint as a minister. I have twice been convener...
The Convener Lab Committee
08 Mar 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Thank you very much for that. No members have questions. Item 3 is to ask whether the committee has any comments on the subordinate legislation. Are members happy to make no recommendation on the instrument? Members indicated agreement.
The Convener Lab Committee
08 Mar 2016
Subordinate Legislation
The power to determine what method of uprating to apply lies with the Scottish Government. If, for example, it was felt that CPI was inappropriate, unfair or did not properly reflect cost-of-living increases, could the Government change to the retail prices index or something ...
The Convener Lab Committee
08 Mar 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Does that include the uprating method that is used? Could the Government decide not to apply CPI and to revert to what was used before?
The Convener Lab Committee
08 Mar 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Right. Is that still the case? For this year, therefore, any changes would be in September.
The Convener Lab Committee
08 Mar 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Do you mean the year until September?
The Convener Lab Committee
08 Mar 2016
Subordinate Legislation
You mentioned that in the period concerned, CPI was negative, so there is no change. What period was that?
The Convener Lab Committee
08 Mar 2016
Subordinate Legislation
For item 2 on our agenda, we have with us Robin Haynes, who is head of the council tax unit in the Scottish Government. We will take evidence on an instrument that is subject to negative procedure, which will amend the principal regulations concerning council tax reduction in ...
The Convener (Hugh Henry) Lab Committee
08 Mar 2016
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Good morning, and welcome to the fifth meeting in 2016 of the Welfare Reform Committee, which will be our last meeting in this parliamentary session. Christina McKelvie is stuck in traffic. Everyone should please make sure that mobile phones and other electronic devices are sw...
Hugh Henry (Renfrewshire South) (Lab) Lab Chamber
01 Mar 2016
Social Security
I am glad that, in his speech, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners’ Rights reflected some of the Welfare Reform Committee’s comments, findings and recommendations because it is important that any system reflects the need for dignity, fairness a...
The Convener Lab Committee
23 Feb 2016
Petition
With that, the public part of the meeting is closed and the committee will go into private session. 10:45 Meeting continued in private until 11:08.
The Convener Lab Committee
23 Feb 2016
Petition
Item 2 on the agenda has been outstanding for a considerable time. Petition PE1496, in the name of Alan Wyllie on behalf of the no2bedroomtax campaign, is on bedroom tax mitigation. It was considered previously by the committee in January 2014. At the time, the petition was ...
The Convener (Hugh Henry) Lab Committee
23 Feb 2016
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Good morning and welcome to the fourth meeting in 2016 of the Welfare Reform Committee. I apologise for the late start, which is due to traffic problems this morning. I ask that everyone ensure that mobile phones and other electronic devices are switched to silent or airplane ...
Hugh Henry (Renfrewshire South) (Lab) Lab Chamber
10 Feb 2016
Education
Like Mary Scanlon, I will not be standing again in the coming election. A number of things that she said struck a chord with me. No one can doubt her commitment to education—her passion for further education, in particular. She very eloquently described the contribution that f...
Hugh Henry Lab Chamber
10 Feb 2016
Education
Will Joan McAlpine take an intervention?
Hugh Henry Lab Chamber
10 Feb 2016
Education
Will the member take an intervention?
Hugh Henry Lab Chamber
10 Feb 2016
Education
Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention?
Hugh Henry (Renfrewshire South) (Lab) Lab Chamber
10 Feb 2016
Education
Will the cabinet secretary take an intervention?
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
I thank you for your contribution to the committee and wish you well in whatever you do after you stand down.
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Minister, thank you for your evidence. I believe that this is your last appearance at the committee before you stand down.
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
As there are no further questions, we move to item 3, which is the formal debate on the instrument. I invite the minister to move motion S4M-15227. Motion moved, That the Welfare Reform Committee recommends that the Welfare Funds (Scotland) Regulations 2016 draft be approved...
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
In future years, the allocation to individual local authorities could change, depending on the level of spend and demand.
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
If, for whatever reason, demand was much greater than expected and local budgets were struggling to cope, who would be responsible for topping up those budgets? Would that be for the individual local authority or would the Scottish Government contribute if the budgets were not...
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
I welcome the commitment to review the guidance annually, which is extremely helpful. A matter that we have heard about in a number of sessions and on which Who Cares? Scotland has provided written evidence is the need for flexibility. As part of the annual consideration of th...
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
I welcome Margaret Burgess, the Minister for Housing and Welfare, who is joined by Will Tyler and Stuart Foubister. I invite the minister to make an opening statement.
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Thank you for your contribution, and good luck with the implementation of the new scheme. We will suspend for a few minutes to allow the panels to change. 10:34 Meeting suspended. 10:36 On resuming—
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
If, for example, you noticed that the claims that were being determined in Edinburgh were resulting in a different pattern of levels of payments from the claims that were being determined in West Lothian, would you be able to start making awards based on what might be perceive...
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
As well as challenging whether a payment has been made, can the claimant challenge the level of payment?
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
When you make a decision about an issue concerning an individual, do you need to have any regard to how much is left in a local authority’s budget? Can you determine the level of payment that is to be made?
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Thank you for that helpful commitment. 10:30
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Okay. I open the questioning to others.
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
For a range of independent benefits, or Westminster-related benefits, there are independent tribunals and people can access those if they wish but, in relation to this one, you will decide whether there will be an oral hearing.
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
It would be an interesting concept if, in relation to claimants challenging the Department for Work and Pensions on a range of things, the power to determine whether there should be representation rested with the DWP. We would be outraged about that, but you are saying that yo...
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
If they wish, they can have an oral hearing with a representative.
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
And it will be made clear to them at the beginning—
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Forgive me, Mr McFadden, but I think that you are saying something slightly different from what Ms Maclean said. Ms Maclean gave a clear commitment that people could have an oral hearing, should they want it, and you are now starting to put conditions on that.
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
I do not doubt that people find personal representation intimidating—that is the whole point of having advocates and representatives, because these procedures are very challenging. However, people also find it intimidating if they have to write and explain and do not have the ...
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Perhaps I am missing something here. In the years that I represented people at tribunals, there was always the opportunity to write in and explain the problem. However, the whole point of an independent tribunal was that people had the chance to explain their case. The tribuna...
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
The committee has heard evidence on other benefits from a whole range of organisations that say that not only the organisations but the people whom they represent value the opportunity to have someone representing people. Some members of the committee have had experience of go...
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
With all due respect, you might not think that representation is necessary, but if someone has had a claim refused and feels strongly about that, surely they should have a say on whether they should have the opportunity to put the case to you, particularly if you do not decide...
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
You say that you think that most of the appeals or challenges will be determined on the basis of information that is already available. Given the decision that was previously made, is there an appeal function whereby people can have representation should they wish it, or would...
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Yes, except that it is the Parliament’s responsibility to pass the legislation and yours is a body that is responsible to the Parliament, not to the Government. I am perplexed and puzzled about why you had to accede to something that the Government wanted rather than something...
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
You said that the Government did not think that that facility was necessary, but in a sense it has nothing to do with the Government because you are not responsible to the Government. Why is the Government able to tell you what is appropriate or not?
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Because yours is a non-Governmental body and you are responsible to the Parliament, you have drafted and designed your own appeals procedure. Will those who have been refused by local authorities and who appeal to you have a right of representation?
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Will the new powers and that new function change the ombudsman’s role?
The Convener Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Subordinate Legislation
The second item on the agenda is an evidence session on the draft Welfare Funds (Scotland) Regulations 2016. I welcome Niki Maclean, the director, and Paul McFadden, the head of complaints standards at the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman. Do either of you have an opening st...
The Convener (Hugh Henry) Lab Committee
02 Feb 2016
Decision on Taking Business in Private
Good morning and welcome to the third meeting in 2016 of the Welfare Reform Committee. I ask everyone to make sure that their mobile phones and other electronic devices are silent and switched to aeroplane mode. Alex Johnstone is substituting for John Lamont and we have recei...
The Convener Lab Committee
19 Jan 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Thank you very much, not just for the written evidence, but for what we have heard this morning. It has been very constructive and thoughtful. It is clear that you are all passionate about the work that you do, but also well informed, which is helpful. It has been useful to...
The Convener Lab Committee
19 Jan 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Jacqui?
The Convener Lab Committee
19 Jan 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Norman?
The Convener Lab Committee
19 Jan 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Jules?
The Convener Lab Committee
19 Jan 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Morag, do you have any final suggestions?
The Convener Lab Committee
19 Jan 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Before I end this session, do any of you want to comment on any aspects of the draft regulations or the guidance that we have not touched on?
The Convener Lab Committee
19 Jan 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Morag Johnston and Jacqui Kopel spoke about profiling, managing the budgets, assessments and reporting. Is there an onerous bureaucracy attached to that or is it a fairly simple process?
The Convener Lab Committee
19 Jan 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Jamie Stewart talked about the regulations and guidance, and Jon Shaw referred to some of the specific regulations. The procedure is that we can either accept or reject the regulations but we cannot change them in any way, so the guidance is hugely significant. We have talked...
The Convener Lab Committee
19 Jan 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Kevin, do you want to come back to the training issue?
The Convener Lab Committee
19 Jan 2016
Subordinate Legislation
We will come back to that once we have heard from Jon Shaw.
The Convener Lab Committee
19 Jan 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Hold on, because Jon Shaw wants to come in.
The Convener Lab Committee
19 Jan 2016
Subordinate Legislation
Several members wish to speak. Christina McKelvie, do you want to come in on a specific point?
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Chamber

Meeting of the Parliament 10 March 2016

10 Mar 2016 · S4 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Lobbying (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3
Henry, Hugh Lab Renfrewshire South Watch on SPTV

Will the member take an intervention?

In the same item of business

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Elaine Smith) Lab
The next item of business is stage 3 proceedings on the Lobbying (Scotland) Bill. In dealing with the amendments, members should have the bill as amended at ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab
Group 1 is on lobbying: definition. Amendment 1, in the name of Neil Findlay, is the only amendment in the group.
Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab) Lab
The bill is in danger of being undermined from the outset by a lack of definition of what we are talking about when we discuss lobbying. The bill as it stand...
Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) SNP
I understand the principle underlying what Mr Findlay is seeking to do. However, I am left somewhat unclear about what the phrase “in a professional capacity...
Neil Findlay Lab
I think that the definition as given is much clearer than the lack of definition that we have at the moment. Does the member not agree?
Stewart Stevenson SNP
Of course I do not agree. The definition carries with it the significant danger that, by putting things such as “in a professional capacity” in the amendment...
Neil Findlay Lab
Will the member take an intervention?
Stewart Stevenson SNP
I think that I will not. We need to make progress.
Patrick Harvie (Glasgow) (Green) Green
In defence of Neil Findlay’s amendment, it seems reasonable to include a definition of lobbying on the face of the bill. The argument that we have just heard...
The Minister for Parliamentary Business (Joe FitzPatrick) SNP
As Neil Findlay described, the aim of amendment 1 is to set out in the bill a definition of what lobbying is before the bill moves on to define the scope of ...
Neil Findlay Lab
As we go through the afternoon Mr FitzPatrick might care to reflect on the words “confusion” and “ambiguity”, because as we go through the bill that is what ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab
The question is, that amendment 1 be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No.
The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab
The Parliament is not agreed and there will be a division. As it is the first division of the stage, I suspend the meeting for five minutes. 14:06 Meeting s...
The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab
We move to the division on amendment 1. For Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Beamish, Claudia (South Scotland) (Lab) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab)...
The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab
The result of the division is: For 30, Against 75, Abstentions 0. Amendment 1 disagreed to. Section 1—Regulated lobbying
The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab
Group 2 is on regulated lobbying: methods of communication. Amendment 12, in the name of Patricia Ferguson, is grouped with amendments 15, 14 and 23.
Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (Lab) Lab
I rise to move amendment 12, speak to amendments 15 and 14, and support George Adam’s amendment 23. The Government bill that the Parliament has before it su...
George Adam (Paisley) (SNP) SNP
I lodged amendment 23 on the back of a recent briefing paper from the Law Society of Scotland. The Law Society noted that, although section 1 refers to commu...
Stewart Stevenson SNP
Patricia Ferguson’s quotation from the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s stage 1 report was perfectly proper, but it might be as well...
Patrick Harvie Green
I am struggling to resist the temptation to use some of the few signs that I know. I very much welcome George Adam’s amendment 23, as it is important that w...
Joe FitzPatrick SNP
Patricia Ferguson’s amendments 12, 15 and 14 would substantially broaden the definition of regulated lobbying by including other forms of communication—parti...
Neil Findlay Lab
Will the member take an intervention?
Joe FitzPatrick SNP
Okay, quickly.
Neil Findlay Lab
On the subject of clear evidence, what evidence does the minister have, or has he ever had, that face-to-face communication is more effective than any other ...
Joe FitzPatrick SNP
I think that there is evidence, which I will come to later. Interruption.
The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab
Order, please.
Joe FitzPatrick SNP
I think that the important thing is that we need to make sure that the bill is proportionate, and there is no evidence to—Interruption.
The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab
Order, please.
Joe FitzPatrick SNP
—assert the fact that it would not be a disproportionate burden to extend the definition in the way that Patricia Ferguson’s amendment suggests. I thank Geo...
The Deputy Presiding Officer Lab
Thank you, minister. I call Patricia Ferguson to wind up and to indicate whether you intend to press or withdraw, please.