Chamber and committees

When are the pilot projects due to conclude, and when will it be possible to evaluate them?

There will be a division.

For

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab)
Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Lab)

Against

Colin Beattie (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP)
Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)
Gordon MacDonald (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP)
Kevin Stewart (Aberdeen Central) (SNP)
Evelyn Tweed (Stirling) (SNP)
Brian Whittle (South Scotland) (Con)

Abstentions

Maggie Chapman (North East Scotland) (Green)

As members have no comments, do you have anything to add, minister?

Thank you. I invite the minister to close the debate or respond to any points.

There will be a division.

For

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab)
Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)
Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Lab)
Brian Whittle (South Scotland) (Con)

Against

Colin Beattie (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP)
Maggie Chapman (North East Scotland) (Green)
Gordon MacDonald (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP)
Kevin Stewart (Aberdeen Central) (SNP)
Evelyn Tweed (Stirling) (SNP)

The minister refers to making proposals “at a later date”. The committee’s concerns on this matter came from a feeling that the cost of living crisis was putting undue pressure on households in debt, that there were additional current pressures and that a swift response was needed. I would be concerned about the timescale of “a later date” if changes were to be made.

The question is, that amendment 4 be agreed to. Are we agreed?

Members: No.

There will be a division.

For

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab)
Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con)
Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Lab)
Brian Whittle (South Scotland) (Con)

Against

Colin Beattie (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP)
Maggie Chapman (North East Scotland) (Green)
Gordon MacDonald (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP)
Kevin Stewart (Aberdeen Central) (SNP)
Evelyn Tweed (Stirling) (SNP)

Amendment 22, in the name of Paul O’Kane, is grouped with amendments 23 and 29.

Amendment 15, in the name of the minister, is in a group on its own. I call the minister to speak to and move amendment 15, which is the one that we are all waiting for.