At its meeting on 11 February 2026, the Education, Children and Young People Committee considered a piece of subordinate legislation which is subject to the affirmative procedure.

This report summarises the purpose and the scrutiny of the instrument as well as confirming the Committee's decision.

The minutes of the meeting have been published. The Official Report of the meeting will be published in due course.

The Care Leaver Payment (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] were laid on 21 January 2026.

The purpose of the regulations is to provide for a new scheme called the Care Leaver Payment. The Care Leaver Payment will provide a one-off £2000 payment to young people moving on from care, with the intention of helping to reduce some of the financial barriers they face whilst moving into adulthood and more independent living.

A draft policy note can be accessed here.

The Delegated Powers and Law Reform (DPLR) Committee considered the instrument at its meeting on 10 February 2026. The DPLR Committee agreed that no points arose in relation to the instrument.

At its meeting on 11 February 2026, the Education, Children and Young People Committee meeting took evidence from the Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes, and her officials.

The Minister moved the following motion S6M-20537—That the Education, Children and Young People Committee recommends that the Care Leaver Payment (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved.