Chamber and committees

Thank you, minister.

We have discussed that a lot already, so I would be grateful if you would keep your response to that point quite brief. We are running low on time.

We return to Foysol Choudhury, who is joining us online.

We now move to theme 3, which is on the qualifying date and the payment date. I will ask a question about this. The February payment date was raised a lot last week and is slightly concerning. The minister has already spoken of the increased number of people who are going to benefit from the payment, and that is hugely positive. However, the February date seems a little late in the winter. Will the minister outline how we have come to that date?

Thank you very much, minister, for providing that clarity. It is important to know that that flexibility is there.

Before I move on to Jeremy Balfour, I should say that we are running slightly behind time. Minister, can you grant us an extra 15 minutes just to allow us to get though the rest of our questions?

For our last theme, we will move to questions from Pam Duncan-Glancy.

As there is a tie, as convener I have a further casting vote.

Thank you very much, minister. I now invite contributions from members.

Thank you very much. That brings us to a close on that agenda item. I thank the minister for giving us that extra time.

Agenda item 2 is formal consideration of motion S6M-06818. I invite the minister to speak to and move the motion.