Regulatory Review Group minutes: May 2026

Attendees and apologies

• Professor Russel Griggs OBE, RRG Chair 
• Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Scottish Retail Consortium 
• Fiona Richardson, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities 
• James Fowlie, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
• Craig Brown, Society of Chief Officers of Environmental Health in Scotland
• Douglas White, Consumer Scotland
• Robbie McGregor, British Standards Institute
• Iain Hall, UKAS
• Brendan McGinty, Competition and Markets Authority
• Gary Cox, Scottish Government

Apologies

• Susan Love, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants 

Items and actions

Welcome, introductions, approval of minutes

Professor Russel Griggs OBE welcomed and thanked attendees for participating in this virtual meeting of the Regulatory Review Group (RRG). Minutes from the previous meeting (30 April) were agreed.

Post Election Discussion

Gary Cox, Deputy Director for the Business Relationships, Tourism and Retail Division updated members on government business since the Scottish Parliament election. He noted that Frances Pacitti, head of the Business and Better Regulation Directorate, is to meet with the new Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport imminently, and that the Cabinet Secretary will meet with Russel in the near future. During these meetings, the importance of the RRG will be emphasised. Engagement with the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform will also be a priority in the short term.

Members were keen for new ministers to engage with the RRG, and emphasised the need for any programme of Public Sector Reform to take account of the declining workforce in regulatory enforcement bodies, highlighting the challenges to the economy and wider society that this decline presents.

Officials agreed to draft introductory letters to new ministers and cabinet secretaries, and to seek clarity on where policy areas the RRG has had continued engagement with – for example, Heat in Buildings – now sit.

Discussion on SNP 100 days manifesto and RRG priorities

Members reviewed a draft paper prepared by SG officials based on discussions at the previous meeting of the group, which will be shared with ministers once approved by the group. The group was happy with this paper, though the Chair emphasised that the ability to see beyond their day-to-day role is a quality shared by all current members and would need to be shared by any potential new members.

Members then discussed the commitments mentioned in the SNP’s ‘100 days’ plan, published ahead of the election. The key policy for the group was the SNP’s commitment to implement a price cap on a selection of supermarket goods. Gary informed the group that Frances Pacitti has been appointed SRO for this policy, and that producing a Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) is a key early priority for policy development. It was agreed that policy officials in this area will attend the next meeting of the RRG (30 June) for a more in-depth discussion with members.

UK Government Sporting Events Bill

SG officials updated the group on progress with the UK Government’s Sporting Events Bill, providing a summary of the aims of the bill and the impacts of the bill in Scotland. Among other measures, the bill seeks to restrict on-street traders during major sporting events, and to prevent unauthorised association. Officials sought the advice of the group in considering how to ensure that businesses understand and adhere to restrictions.

Members broadly welcomed the Bill, as it will assist Trading Standards officers in carrying out their duties ahead of and during major sporting events. It was felt that caution will be needed to ensure that any restrictions do not deter large multinational organisations from delivering events within Scotland. Members asked officials to return to the RRG closer to the implementation period so that the details of the policy its impact on business and regulatory enforcement can be discussed in more depth.

Next Steps/AOB

The next meeting of the group will be held in-person in Atlantic Quay on 30 June. Officials will issue invitations on behalf of the RRG.