Minutes: 16 September 2025

1. Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2026-27: Responding to long-term fiscal pressures:

The Committee took evidence from—

Andy Witty, Director of Strategic Policy and Corporate Governance, Colleges Scotland;

Stacey Dingwall, Head of Policy and External Affairs (Scotland), Federation of Small Businesses;

Elaine Morrison, Director, Boosting Capital Investment, Scottish Enterprise;

Tom Ockendon, External Affairs Co-ordinator, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA);

Lesley Jackson, Deputy Director, Universities Scotland;

and then from—

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Ian Davidson, Deputy Director, Social Security Policy;

David Wallace, Chief Executive, Social Security Scotland.

2. Work programme (In Private):

The Committee considered and agreed its work programme.

The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government in relation to its approach to laying financial resolutions. John Mason dissented to this decision.