Lesson Starter The Committees successfully uphold the founding principle of sharing power. Give 5 points that back this statement up. Can you think of any that would go against this?

Today we will… Outline the work of committees in the Scottish Parliament.

Success Criteria I can participate in a paired reading to summarise the work of committees

The Work of Committees Committees are small groups of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) who meet on a regular basis, usually on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday morning. MSPs have to be part of a Committee. Committees: Carry out inquiries Report to the parliament Closely examine bills Suggest bills Question Scottish ministers

Report to the parliament Closely examine bills Suggest bills Committees: Carry out inquiries Report to the parliament Closely examine bills Suggest bills Question Scottish ministers

Committees The Committee System allows for accessibility, openness and participation. It is generally accepted that the real work of the parliament is done in the committee rooms. Every piece of legislation coming out the parliament will have come under the scrutiny of one or more of the committees. Remember the stages of passing a law? Stages 1+2 scrutinises the legislation before debated by the parliament.

Committees and Openness The committee system allows for the participation of as many people as possible in the democratic process. Committees normally meet in public and can do so anywhere in Scotland, not just in the Parliament. Since the Scottish Parliament was established in 1999, around 100 committee meetings have been held outside Edinburgh. Most allow the public to attend- true democracy in action.

What does this mean? This situation gives committees significant strength in influencing decision making in the Scottish Parliament. Committees scrutinise every scrap of legislation. Most amendments to bills are made during committee meetings. Scottish Government held to account by the work of the committees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09HI17OmPh0&list=PL4l0q4AbG0mnzemyL3Lx28OYdonKBLJyx&index=9

Membership Committee membership is restricted to MSPs who are not in the government. The appointment of members takes account of the balance of political parties and groupings in the parliament. Essentially the biggest party in Parliament will claim the most places on committees.

Gathering Evidence and Information Most of the work of committees is gathering and recording of evidence in order to scrutinise the work of government and adequately amend laws. Health Committee gathering evidence on smoking outside hospitals. Taking evidence from ASH and FOREST pressure groups. Witnesses give evidence. (Doctors, Health Professionals etc.) This work is mainly carried out when they have to scrutinise the activity of the government, scrutinise a bill, decide whether to propose a bill and consider proposals for a members bill.

Justice Committee Work Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill – tackle the problem of Sectarianism- ‘Scotland’s Shame’ MSPs on the committee backed the bill to tackle sectarianism with new jail terms of up to five years by five votes to four. Representatives from both the Celtic and Rangers supporters club also gave evidence to show both sides. Bill passed. Click on link for videos Watch Academics and football pundits asked to give evidence to the justice committee

Was I successful? I can participate in a paired reading to summarise the work of committees