Chamber and committees

It would be helpful if any colleague who wishes to come in types R in the chat function. We would then have an indication of who wishes to respond to that point.

That is very helpful. Before we wrap up I want to ask a couple of final questions. The first touches on the theme that Evelyn Tweed just raised, about passporting and the interchangeability of the devolved and reserved systems. I note that SCOSS has highlighted its concern about the UK Government’s green paper on health and disability and that it could have “significant implications” for the devolved system. Judith Paterson, could you please elaborate your concerns about the green paper and the white paper that is potentially coming early next year?

I can see that Craig Smith is looking to come in.

Do any colleagues want to come in on Mr Briggs’s question? I cannot see an R in the chat box.

You are first up on the next theme, which is moving between DLA and PIP and ADP.

Not at all.

The next item is on the adult disability payment, which is due to start replacing personal independence payment in Scotland next year. Changes will be made through regulations that the committee expects to be laid soon. This morning, we will consider the differences between ADP and PIP and any potential policy issues in advance of formal consideration of the regulations next year.

I am pleased that we will hear from two panels today. I welcome to the first panel Ed Pybus, policy and parliamentary officer, Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland; Richard Gass, welfare rights and money advice manager, Rights Advice Scotland; and Judith Paterson, who is a member of the Scottish Commission on Social Security. A very warm welcome to you all.

I ask committee members and panellists to type R in the chat box if they would like to come in. Some members have already indicated to me that they would like to do so. I would also appreciate it, given that we are meeting virtually today, if colleagues who are asking questions could direct their questions to witnesses directly and allow a wee bit of time to ensure that their microphones are turned on before speaking.

While you are on that point and before I bring in Jeremy Balfour, I note that the SCOSS report said:

“We are persuaded that changing eligibility criteria at this time would risk undermining the delivery of ADP, with extremely detrimental consequences for people who depend on it.”

What detrimental consequences did you envisage? What made you reach that conclusion?

Keith, are you looking to come back in briefly?

Richard, I presume that that applies to people being transferred to universal credit, as well as to PIP?