Chamber and committees

Thank you for the clarification, convener.

The approximate cost in your financial memorandum is £893,372 in year 1, but the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities estimate is 11 times that, so can I get a wee bit of an understanding of how you originally came across your figures?

Absolutely. I am just concerned about the figures rather than the principle. I do not disagree with what you have said.

Did you want to come in, Pam?

I think that Bill Scott wants to comment.

Oh—you have met COSLA.

You will be aware that, at last week’s meeting, the Minister for Children and Young People said that ministers had discussions with you about the modelling in the financial memorandum and that you were looking to work with stakeholders to better understand the potential costs of the bill. You have said that you have not yet met with COSLA. Can you update us on which stakeholders you have engaged with or intend to engage with?

Thank you, convener. We will look at the financial memorandum. Bill Scott, I think that you have already alluded to the fact that you might have got the figures wrong—

We have talked a little bit about the definitions of disability that would be included under the Equality Act 2010, and, in other sessions, we have heard evidence about the time allocated for preparation being underestimated simply because of the complexity of arranging and delivering multi-agency meetings. On reflection, do you feel that your figures are underestimates?

Okay, but can I get an understanding of how you came across your figures—how those were informed?

According to the Finance and Public Administration Committee, all the evidence that it received considered that the financial memorandum

“understates the cost of implementing changes”.

What, then, was your rationale for expecting that some costs would be accommodated within existing resources?

Good morning, ministers. I will finish the questioning on what the Government is currently doing, and I will then look at the definition of disabilities with regard to the Equality Act 2010.

You have given us a clear indication of the work that the Government is already doing to address the issue of disability transitions for our young people and children. Can you put on record whether there is anything else going on of which we should be aware? You have been quite thorough, but I want to make sure.

I was interested to hear about the principles into practice pilot. You indicated that the initial report on that is coming out soon. Is there any emerging indication or evidence of the impact? We heard earlier this morning that it is looking pretty positive, but I wondered whether there was any further information on that.