Cautious support has been given to the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill by the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee in a report published today.
Although the committee agrees to the general principles of the Bill, it remains concerned about whether the “fitness for involvement” test is robust enough.
This test would allow outside investors, such as banks or supermarkets, to have a stake in legal services providers.
Committee Convener Bill Aitken MSP said: “This Bill will enable, but not oblige, the Scottish legal profession to enter into new forms of business that could create more competition and potentially offer consumers more choice in legal services.”
Deputy Committee Convener Alasdair Allan MSP, said: “The meeting in Glenrothes was most constructive and we would like to thank everyone who attended for their valuable contributions, including Fife Council and representatives from the various tenants and housing associations.
"Tenants’ views on the right to buy and regulations for private and social landlords were particularly helpful.”
Our education programmes are run for schools, colleges and other educational groups who are interested in finding out more about the work of the Scottish Parliament. Today we welcome pupils from:
• Barmulloch Primary School in Glasgow
• Istituto di Istruzione Superiore Statale Antonio Pesenti near Pisa in Italy
In addition, Parliament staff will hold classroom sessions at:
• Merkland School in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire
The Scottish Government must take action now to improve NHS computing systems as patients are missing out on better care and treatment, warns a report from the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee.
Issues to be tackled include the safeguarding of patient privacy, timescales and continuity for the national roll out of “telehealth” schemes and tackling resistance from medical staff in using technology.
MSPs 
Our education programmes are run for schools, colleges and other educational groups who are interested in finding out more about the work of the Scottish Parliament. Today we welcome pupils from: 