A SCOTTISH government Bill aiming to curb “excessive profit” from providing placements for children in care fails to define it, a Holyrood committee has warned.

In a sector in which private and third-sector providers are dominant in providing residential and foster placements for young people, the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill seeks to place a “profit limitation requirement” on them.

While backing its principles, Holyrood’s education, children and young people committee said it was “disappointed” that the Bill leaves the definition of “excessive profit” in the hands of ministers.

Urging a rethink and “substantial amendments,” committee convener Douglas Ross said: “This is an opportunity to bring about real and lasting change for the care community and it is vital that the government gets this right.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “The promise is clear that there is no place for profiting in how Scotland cares for its children and the Scottish government supports this principle.

“Proposals will continue to be developed, informed by our consultation on the issue.

“We will continue to engage with stakeholders as proposals progress.”