“Social care is here today, it’s here and now.” We heard about how climate change fits in to the competing priorities faced by local councils as part of our scrutiny of @scotgov’s draft Climate Change Plan. Craig Hatton of @Solace_UK ⬇️

We discussed the impact the draft Climate Change Plan could have on industry skills + training needs as part of this week’s session. Prof Sean Smith told the Committee he had concerns about a lack of focus on safety.

The Climate Change Plan is "incredibly high level" and lacks the "granular" detail required. Cllr Gail Macgregor of @COSLA was among those we heard from this week as we continued our scrutiny of the @scotgov draft proposal.

MSPs are keen to hear what individuals & local communities think of the proposals set out in @scotgov's draft Climate Change Plan. Have your say by Sunday 25 January 2026👉 https://t.co/jcB8Swgq3n Wondering what it's all about, or how to have your say?👇

We’ll continue our scrutiny of @scotgov’s Climate Change Plan tomorrow. Two panels will give evidence: one including organisations representing local authorities and the second, experts on housing and the built environment. More info➡️ https://t.co/yQ9HXVs7to

The Committee heard that social landlords expect “significant” rises in rent of between 7-12%. The Scottish Housing Regulator’s Chair, Garry Coutts, was giving evidence as part of an annual scrutiny session.

The Scottish Housing Regulator told the Committee that the number of homes built by registered social landlords (RSLs) will continue to fall over the next 5 years. Michael Cameron, Chief Executive, said RSLs were making “understandable” business decisions.

Scottish Housing Regulator Chair, Garry Coutts and Chief Executive, Michael Cameron join us at this morning’s meeting. We’ll be scrutinising the public body’s performance over the past year and its annual report. More info on our webpages: https://t.co/eWNkyfPSkZ

The Committee heard that the @SPSO_Ombudsman is facing “significant” challenges, as it deals with a 40% increase in complaints. Paul McFadden said the pressure and strain on public services was part of the reason, as well as the rise in the use of AI.

Paul McFadden @SPSO_Ombudsman told the Committee that complaint wait times were “always a focus”. Currently people submitting complaints about public services are being advised of a 16 week wait time – which Mr McFadden warned was likely to rise due to the volume of cases.

We’ll hear from the @SPSO_Ombudsman tomorrow as we carry out our annual scrutiny of the independent complaints body. Watch live on SPTV from 9:30am. Full info on our webpage: https://t.co/99h2uy4ooO

Standards Commission for Scotland told the Committee the public had the “right to expect” action against councillors and members of public bodies who act unethically. Exec Director Lorna Johnston said the code of conduct also offered protection to those in public office.

MSPs heard the rise in the use of AI for complaint generation meant “hundreds of pages” were being submitted to the Ethical Standards Commissioner. Ian Bruce also said that two-thirds of complaints were dismissed, with complaints often driven by “disgruntled” constituents.

Ethical Standards Commissioner told the Committee about a “significant” rise in the number of complaints received this year. The independent regulator investigates complaints about the behaviour of MSPs, councillors and public body board members.

Tomorrow we'll take evidence from the Ethical Standards Commissioner and the Standards Commission for Scotland on their annual reports. Watch live from 9:30am ➡️ https://t.co/BrNAJjbP9o Full meeting details ➡️ https://t.co/Xpkw5CqGoF

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: We’ve written to @ShonaRobison to share our views on council funding and how it supports public service reform ahead of the @scotgov Budget for 2026-27. Read it here: https://t.co/QPvxOiHzgf 📺Convener, @ArianeBurgessHI

“We cannot ask vulnerable households in Scotland to bridge the gap” @theCIOB 's Dr Jocelyne Fleming was among the experts giving evidence to the Committee on the draft climate change plan.

@HighlandCouncil The Committee heard from a panel of experts as part of its scrutiny of the draft climate change plan. Watch the meeting again ➡️ https://t.co/twqKfB9uEa

The Committee heard of the challenges of retrofitting homes in order to meet climate change ambitions. @HighlandCouncil ‘s Neil Osbourne, said 87,000 homes in the region required intervention, which could cost more than £3bn.

Consumers have to be "active participants" in the transition to cleaner heat, the Committee heard today. MSPs were discussing @scotgov ‘s draft climate change plan with a range of experts. Alistair Hill of @Consumer_Scot said more engagement with the public was necessary.