Chamber and committees

I was looking at the details of the ADP. Can you give us more information on what will happen if the UK Government changes the rules and there is less money available through the fiscal framework?

I notice as well that your submission says that the retention of a points-based system is something for the independent review to consider. Would you expect it to agree that a points-based system for determining need is appropriate and, if not, what would you propose instead?

I notice that concerns have been raised about how those who are above pension age might be affected by moving to ADP. There may be a theme emerging there around different age benefits and the issues that come with transferring. Ed Pybus and Judith Paterson, should disabled people of different ages have different eligibility criteria or different benefits and should that be looked at at a UK level?

This question is for Craig Smith. I noticed that the SAMH response says that the assessment issues are the most significant problem for mental health patients applying for PIP. Do you agree that the changes that have been made to assessment amount to a massive change in the experience of disabled claimants with a mental health issue even before eligibility is considered?

The Scottish Government has recently expanded free school meals to blanket age groups, which I and many others are supportive of. However, given that claiming free school meals is linked to other payments, including bridging payments for the Scottish child payment, what is being done to communicate the benefits of applying for free school meals even if your kid is already being fed?

You touched on the role of the media in supplementing your efforts. What do you expect or want the media to do to help you to drive down stigma?

You have acknowledged in the strategy that stigma plays a big part in the low take-up of benefits. What is the Government doing to tackle that stigma?

Lorraine McGrath, to what extent would a negative initial response turn off those groups from interacting with housing services in the future?

Dr Watts, I note that, in your written submission, you say that you favour raising housing allowance. When housing allowance is raised, how much of the benefit to people who struggle to afford housing is offset by private landlords raising rents in response?

My question is for Lorraine McGrath, but given Shelter’s focus on prevention in its contribution, Gordon MacRae might want to come in. Certain groups are more at risk of homelessness. How much of that stems from the accessibility of local authority housing and how much of it stems from the rigidity of application processes? What changes could be made to address those aspects?