Minutes: 31 October 2023

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 3 to 5 in private.

2. National Care Service (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from—

Lilian Macer, Regional Secretary, UNISON Scotland;

Dave Moxham, Deputy General Secretary, Scottish Trades Union Congress;

Cara Stevenson, Organiser for Women’s Campaign Unit, GMB Scotland;

and then from—

Rachel Cackett, Chief Executive Officer, Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland (CCPS);

Dr Jim Elder-Woodward, OBE, Convenor for Inclusion Scotland and member of the People Led Policy Panel, Inclusion Scotland;

Rob Gowans, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE);

Dr Donald Macaskill, Chief Executive, Scottish Care.

Sandesh Gulhane declared an interest as a practicing NHS doctor.

Emma Harper declared an interest as a registered nurse.

Paul Sweeney declared an interest as a member of the GMB trade union.

3. National Care Service (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.

4. Post-legislative scrutiny: Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013:

The Committee considered its approach to the inquiry. The Committee agreed a draft call for evidence, to undertake preparatory workstreams to explore stakeholders’ views of the implementation of self-directed support to date, and to write to the Scottish Government for further information.

5. Healthcare in remote and rural areas:

The Committee considered its approach to the inquiry.