Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Minutes: 29 February 2024
Thursday, 29 February 2024
6th Meeting, 2024
Minutes
1. Declaration of interests:
Following the Committee's consideration of the Social Security (Up-rating) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 [draft] and the Social Security Up-rating (Scotland) Order 2024 [draft] on 22 February 2024, Jeremy Balfour declared an interest as a recipient of Personal Independence Payment.
2. Decision on taking business in private:
The Committee agreed to take items 5 and 6 in private.
3. Housing and Refugees:
The Committee took evidence from—
Graham O'Neill, Policy Manager, Scottish Refugee Council;
Phil Arnold, Head of Refugee Support – Scotland, Wales and N Ireland, British Red Cross.
4. Review of Poverty and Inequality Commission Resignation Review Report (In Private):
The Committee took evidence from—
John Somers, Deputy Director Police Division (the Reviewer), Scottish Government.
5. Consideration of evidence (In Private):
The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.
6. Social Security Scotland (In Private):
The Committee considered its approach to witnesses for the client experience of Social Security Scotland’s redetermination and appeals process.