2. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the work it is undertaking to deliver its commitments on participatory and deliberative democracy. (S6O-02967)

The Scottish Government’s vision for public participation is that people can be involved in the decisions that affect them, making Scotland a more inclusive, sustainable and successful place. Officials have been progressing work to deliver on recommendations by identifying the skills and resources that are required to provide effective support for public participation across Government. I anticipate that, by February, I will be able provide further information on how the work will be progressed.

What role does the Minister see citizens’ assemblies playing in the future of Scotland’s democratic process?

Citizens’ assemblies are best used for complex issues of national significance, and they remain a priority of the Government. We remain committed to high-quality participation. However, in many instances that is better approached through smaller-scale methods such as lived-experience panels. At present, much of our public participation work is delivered through such smaller-scale methods, which will focus on establishing the skills and resources to raise the overall standard of participation.

If the citizens’ assembly recommends the abolition of the council tax, will the Government back it?

As I said, we are listening to the various panels that we have. Mr Rennie is already jumping the gun and making decisions for the citizens’ assemblies. The point of the participation is for the public to have their say, and we take advice from them.