5. To ask the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body what support it provides to allow Constituency offices to pay invoices by direct debit in order to take advantage of available discounts. (S5O-00765)

Although we are not currently able to pay individual members’ invoices by direct debit from the corporate body’s central bank account, we provide support to members who have set up direct debits on their personal bank accounts by reimbursing them through scheduled payments. That ensures that they have the moneys in their account in advance of the direct debit being paid by their bank and enables them to take advantage of any available discounts. However—and I do not want this to cause a rush of blood to the member’s head—we are currently evaluating the possibility of implementing a direct debit payment facility from the SPCB’s bank account for members’ local office utility Bills, and we aim to pilot that later this year.

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

I call Alison Harris.

I have no further questions, Presiding Officer. I am pleased to hear what the member has said.

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

That response is very welcome, Ms Harris. I think that it is probably a first for the Parliament.