Inquiry launched into effectiveness of Holyrood committees

An inquiry has been launched into the effectiveness of Holyrood committees, it has been announced.

The Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee will lead the probe, focusing on the number of MSPs on each panel, the possibility of electing conveners and how committees evaluate their own work and the effectiveness of post-legislative scrutiny.

The Scottish Parliament operates a unicameral model, meaning there is no second revising chamber similar to the House of Lords, with committees filling that role in legislating.

The inquiry will not look at the system of whipping in Holyrood committees – the practice where MSPs vote along party lines – which can limit scrutiny of Government-proposed legislation.

Committee convener Martin Whitfield said: “The Scottish Parliament is a relatively young legislature. But that does not mean that we do not need to reflect on our practices and procedures to make sure they are meeting the needs of the Scotland in which we find ourselves today.

“Committees play an essential role in the work of the Parliament. Scrutinising legislation and holding the Government to account are vital.

“But we want to know if there are changes that need to be made to make these work more effectively.

“We know, for example, that elected conveners are in place in other parliaments in the UK and beyond, but what impact might they make at Holyrood?

“And would changes to the remits structure and size of committees have an impact on how they do their work.”

A call for views issued by the committee is due to close on April 4.