Scottish Parliament Weekly Round-Up

Find out what happened this week at Holyrood....

On Tuesday, the First Minister gave an update to parliament on the Covid-19 situation where she stated that the country has “turned the corner on the Omicron wave”.

Some further restrictions were lifted, including the limit on numbers allowed in theatres and cinemas, 1m distancing and table service rules in hospitality venues and the ban on indoor adult contact sports. Nightclubs can also open again. “Work from home” guidance remains in place but a hybrid approach is being considered from February.

The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee continued their inquiry into the health and wellbeing of children and young people. Their two evidence sessions focused on child and adolescent mental health services and health and wellbeing of care experienced young people.

Meanwhile, the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee heard evidence on the draft on the fourth national planning framework. Alongside parliamentary scrutiny of the draft, a public consultation is open until 31 March.

On Wednesday, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government gave a statement to parliament confirming that changes to the law on fire alarms will come into effect from 1 February.

An opposition day debate followed with MSPs debating the protection of local government funding and the 2022 school exam diet. That evening, the Cross-Party Group on Social Work held its first ever meeting between MSPs and stakeholders from the social work profession.

During FMQs on Thursday, the First Minister faced questions from opposition leaders and backbenchers on issues such as covid measures, offshore wind projects, the increase in energy prices and the impact of the UK Government’s Nationality and Borders Bill on devolved functions.

Parliamentary business rounded off that afternoon with the Deputy First Minister presenting the Coronavirus (Discretionary Compensation for Self-Isolation) Bill at stage one.

The Bill proposes that health boards would retain the option to compensate people who are self-isolating until the end of October 2022. MSPs agreed on the general principles of the Bill, which now moves on to stage two.