Chamber and committees

Thank you, convener. It is good to be with you, colleagues. I refer members to my entry in the register of interests—in particular, my being registered on the roll of Scottish solicitors, which might be pertinent on certain occasions.

Did COSLA have appropriate input into the financial memorandum and the Government costing? Has COSLA done its own cost analysis of implementation of the bill?

That is helpful.

I will build on the questions from my colleague Stephen Kerr by asking about finance. Mr Farrugia talked about the bill’s operation once it is passed—assuming that that is the will of the Parliament—and Councillor Buchanan talked about implementation challenges. I note that COSLA has said that

“the changes proposed in the Bill will require significant ‘system’ changes with implications for services, resources and the workforce”.

I am interested in the witnesses’ views on the additional costs that are likely to be incurred as a result of the bill’s provisions. What level of funding, with due consideration of the pressures on public finances, is required to successfully implement the proposed changes?

I am keen to hear from other witnesses on the particular issue of financing. Is local government anticipating a preventative spend effect, with a reduction in costs in the medium to longer term as a result of the bill?

I am sorry about that, Mr Garrett. In relation to the implementation of the strategy, do you want to feed back anything on your engagement and collaboration with Creative Scotland and national Government more widely over and above what is in your submission?

I would like to ask the witnesses to elaborate on what has been said. Do witnesses want to reflect any feedback or ideas and initiatives with regard to their engagement with Creative Scotland on the implementation of the strategy? Do witnesses have any other feedback or constructive suggestions with regard to how they engage with national Government going forward?

Thank you, convener. Good morning, colleagues and witnesses. As a proud internationalist and the son of a designer, I am very pleased to be a member of the committee, and I hope to contribute positively. I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests. In particular, it shows that I am still registered on the roll of Scottish solicitors, which might be of interest in some evidence sessions. I also note that I served as Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development under the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture between June 2018 and February 2020, in case that is of relevance.

It does. If you think of any reflections or constructive propositions today or following the committee meeting on how that greater co-ordination could be facilitated, that would be interesting to hear.

I thank colleagues for their important questions and hope that they will support the regulations.

Motion agreed to,

That the Social Justice and Social Security Committee recommends that the Social Security (Up-rating) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 be approved.