Minutes: 28 March 2024

1. Decisions on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 5, 6 and 7 in private.

2. Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill:

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

Lynne Macfarlane, Solicitor Advocate, Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL);

Alastair Ross, Assistant Director, Head of Public Policy (Scotland, Wales & NI), Association of British Insurers;

Alan Rogerson, Member, Forum of Scottish Claims Managers.

3. Client experience of Social Security Scotland’s redetermination and appeals process:

The Committee took evidence from—

Erica Young, Policy Officer (Social Justice), Citizens Advice Scotland;

Richard Gass, Chair, Rights Advice Scotland.

Jeremy Balfour declared an interest as a recipient of Personal Independence Payment, and as a former member of the First-tier Tribunal.

4. Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard under item 2. The Committee agreed to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice in relation to issues raised by the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee ahead of the session on 18 April 2024.

5. Client experience of Social Security Scotland’s redetermination and appeals process (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard under item 3. The committee agreed to write to Social Security Scotland, the First-tier Tribunal and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.

6. Work programme (In Private):

The Committee considered its work programme. The Committee agreed its approach to a mini-inquiry on the Scottish Child Payment (SCP).

7. Extra Costs of Disability Research (In Private):

The Committee considered and agreed letters to the Scottish Government, the Department for Work and Pensions and COSLA.