Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee

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Following recently passed regulations, our new blog explains the changes to tenant complaints about dampness and mould in rented housing that come into force in October: ow.ly/RYGo50YwcNU

We took evidence from the Housing Cab Sec, Màiri McAllan MSP, before recommending that the Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 - known as Awaab's Law - be approved.

Our new briefing, by SPICe academic fellow Dr Lewis Forsyth, explores how the council tax aligns with the six principles of Scottish tax policymaking, set out in the Scottish Government's 2021 Framework for Tax. 🔗 ow.ly/qCWz50Yr8Zu

We start Stage 2 of the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill today, which @Scotgov says will make the Visitor Levy easier and more flexible for councils and accommodation providers to operate. The session will be live on SPTV from 2:50pm 📺 ow.ly/Fs6k50Yp3kl

We heard from a range of experts and organisations on new housing rules - including the Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026, also known as 'Awaab's Law'. Full meeting details ➡️parliament.scot/chamber-and-co… 📽️@ScotLandEstates , @Living_Rent

We're recommending that @ScotParl agrees to progress the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill. ➡️parliament.scot/about/news/new…

Our new report on the draft Climate Change Plan describes it as “lacking in detail”, raises concerns about meeting heat pump installation targets and planning department resourcing, and asks for more detail on how a skilled trades gap will be addressed. 📰ow.ly/xaRZ50Y9PkL

We questioned Minister for Public Finance @Ivan_McKee as part of our scrutiny of @scotgov ‘s Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill. Watch the session again on SPTV 📺scottishparliament.tv/meeting/local-…

This week, we continue our focus on proposed law which @scotgov say will make Visitor Levy schemes easier and more flexible to operate. Minister for Public Finance @Ivan_McKee joins us from 9:30am. Watch live tomorrow 📺➡️ow.ly/KiH450Y7yeM

We’ll hear from Cab Sec @ShonaRobison on the draft Climate Change Plan before beginning our 2026/27 budget scrutiny with Housing Cab Sec Màiri McAllan. Watch live from 9:30am ➡️ow.ly/cAey50XZLNx

We’re seeking views on a proposed law which aims to make the Visitor Levy, or ‘tourist tax’, easier and more flexible to operate for councils and accommodation providers. Have your say here ➡️ ow.ly/RRAO50XX7GZ

All our analysis of the Scottish Government's draft Climate Change Plan is included in our Hub which has been developed to support parliamentary scrutiny of the CCP. The hub can be accessed at: ow.ly/kFH450XSqwV

We’ll take evidence from Housing Cab Sec @MairiMcAllan and @scotgov officials tomorrow as we continue our scrutiny of the draft Climate Change Plan tomorrow. Watch live from 9:30am 📺➡️scottishparliament.tv

“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👉ow.ly/gKPb50XKb9G 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➡️ parliament.scot/chamber-and-co…

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.