Chamber and committees

Thank you for those reassurances. I am sure that this will be at the top of the agenda next week.

Good morning. Witnesses at last week’s evidence session told us that the LDAN bill would make a difference to people in Scotland. What difference do you think that the bill would make to people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people?

Thank you. If you can update us on the timescales, that would be really helpful to the committee.

At our session last week, it was suggested that there was no need to consult further. However, if the Scottish Government does so, will it take on board the views that were expressed? People said that they were overwhelmed by the size of the consultation, which made them feel excluded.

Will the Scottish Government simplify the process and make it more focused? It is important that you take those views on board and consider the time that disabled people’s organisations have committed to engaging with the consultation.

We actually want to make a difference.

Last week, Suzi Martin from the National Autistic Society praised the Scottish Government for creating the LEAP, and you mentioned in your opening statement that you plan to meet the LEAP next week to get a detailed work plan. Do you have timescales attached to that? I am sorry to put you on the spot if you do not, but it would be good if you could advise the committee, not necessarily today but maybe in writing.

Good morning.

To what extent do local child poverty action reports give a true picture of the work to tackle child poverty that is happening on the ground at the local level? How can that be given greater visibility? Would you draw attention to any local action reports in particular?

Having the data is key to that, as well.

John Dickie, do you have any comments on that?

What can be done to ensure that the action plan is truly multi-agency, and that there are multi-agency actions in it to allow people to work together a bit better?

I agree with you.

What advice do you have for the Scottish Government as it develops the draft LDAN bill for consultation?

Thank you, Jenny. Joe, do you have any comments?