Chamber and committees

The next item is an evidence session on the performance and operation of Social Security Scotland. Members visited the Social Security Scotland headquarters in Dundee on 1 November. We had a wonderful visit and we very much appreciated that opportunity. This morning, I am pleased to welcome our witnesses from Social Security Scotland to the committee for the first time. We are joined by David Wallace, the chief executive; James Wallace, deputy director for finance and corporate services; and Miriam Craven, deputy director for strategy, change, data and engagement. I invite David Wallace to make some opening remarks.

A response in writing would be helpful. We will be looking to touch on eligibility for ADP in particular and it will be the chunkier end of the work that is coming through next year.

We now come to the formal debate on the motion, in which only members and the minister may take part. I invite the minister to move the motion.

Motion moved,

That the Social Justice and Social Security Committee recommends that the Best Start Grants and Scottish Child Payment (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2021 [draft] be approved.—[Ben Macpherson]

Do members agree to delegate responsibility to the clerks and I to produce a short factual report of the committee’s decision and arrange to have it published?

Members indicated agreement.

That is very helpful.

I want to pick up on a couple of things that you have mentioned, in your opening statement and in response to questions, Mr Wallace. First, I want to ask about lessons from Covid. On behalf of the committee, I thank you and your staff for all that you have been doing during the pandemic and for all the adaptations that you, like all public, private and third sector organisations, have had to make, which have been significant. What lessons have you learned from your experiences during Covid both about your relationships with the people who rely on your services and about your organisational structure? Are you looking to make any changes in your organisation as a result of your experiences during the pandemic?

That is very helpful.

Good morning and welcome to the 12th meeting in 2021 of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee. Apologies have been received from Natalie Don and Foysol Choudhury.

Under agenda item 1, do we agree to take item 5 in private?

Members indicated agreement.

Thank you, Mr Wallace. I will allow until about 10.30 for questions from members, after which we will move on to our next item of business. The first question will be from Marie McNair.

The committee will now take evidence on the draft Best Start Grants and Scottish Child Payment (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2021. I welcome to the committee Ben Macpherson, the Minister for Social Security and Local Government. Online, the minister is joined by, from the Scottish Government, Pauline Torley, Scottish child payment policy manager, and Karen Clyde, solicitor. I invite the minister to make an opening statement.