Issue - meetings

For Discussion

Discussion was led by the Chair, Councillor Currie who encouraged everyone to respond to the online questionnaire at www.parlliament.scot/newsandmediacentre/105516.aspx. 

Members noted that discussions were being facilitated with the island communities in a bid to gather their views on the Islands Bill on 22 August 2017.  Members also noted that a further meeting of the group would take place before attendance at the Parliamentary Committee on 20 September 2017 to update in relation to the discussions and to finalise the draft response to the Islands Bill consultation.

The Chair outlined the proposed work strands of the group going forward:-

·         Energy – Renewables/Fuel Poverty/De-carbonisation

·         Crown Estate

·         Environment (Waste; Designations; Crofting; Agriculture & Fisheries)

·         Tourism (including Culture)

·         Regional Skills (Construction)/FE & HE Provision/Apprenticeships

·         Depopulation/Migration

·         Education/Health

·         Education/Health (Recruitment)

·         EU/BREXIT

·         Digital (Mobile/Broadband)

·         Housing/Empty Homes Initiatives

·         Economy

·         Planning

·         Transport

·         Social Security Reforms