Chamber and committees

Thank you for your patience, convener. I have one very quick question. I am conscious of the recent cut to universal credit. I want to know whether it, too, has exacerbated child poverty. That question goes to Mary Glasgow.

Yes. Good morning, panel, and thank you for all your contributions so far.

Last week, the Office for National Statistics said that the gap between the rich and the poor is the largest for more than a decade. We have an energy crisis and food prices are rising. What does that mean for child poverty and for our children’s health and wellbeing? I pose that question to Mary Glasgow.

Good morning, Sara. It is nice to see you here today and thank you for your submissions so far. I have a more general question. I want to get your views on budget decisions and what you feel will have the greatest impact on reducing inequality and promoting social justice.

Can the impact of the budget decisions and how they play out be quantified?

What are your views on the fiscal framework and how it works, or does not work, for Scotland?

No—that’s me, convener, thank you.

Good morning. Does the Scottish Fiscal Commission expect the £20 Scottish child payment to make a big difference to the people who apply for it?

Thank you, convener. Good morning, Dr Phin. Does Public Health Scotland believe that the arrangements in the European Union and United Kingdom trade and co-operation agreement will facilitate adequate participation of the UK in controlling cross-border threats to or from its closest neighbours?

Are there any other gaps that we need to consider or places where we need to strengthen things?

It is good to see a focus on preventative spend in the budget. How is the Scottish Government ensuring that there is a joined-up approach to spending and outcomes across portfolio areas?