Chamber and committees

Social Justice and Social Security Committee

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Meeting Minutes

14th Meeting, 2022

• Date: Thursday, April 28, 2022
• Session: 6
• Location: T4.40-CR2 The Fairfax Somerville Room
• Meeting opened at: 09:00
• Meeting closed at: 11:33
• Published: Thursday, April 28, 2022 01:40pm

Committee Members Attendees

• Elena Whitham (Convener)
• Jeremy Balfour (Member)
• Pam Duncan-Glancy (Member)
• Paul McLennan (Member)

Apologies received from

• Miles Briggs (Member)
• Foysol Choudhury (Member)
• Natalie Don (Deputy Convener)
• Emma Roddick (Member)

Substitute Members Attendees

• Evelyn Tweed (Substitute Member)

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1 Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 3 in private.

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2 Inquiry into low income and debt problems:

The Committee took evidence from—

Matthew Irvine, Money Adviser, Advice Direct Scotland;

Alan McIntosh, Approved Money Adviser, Advice Talks Ltd;

Charlene Kane, Armed Services Advice Project Regional Support Officer, Denny & Dunipace Citizens Advice Bureau;

Jim McPake, Debt Advisor, North Lanarkshire Council;

and then from—

Lawrie Morgan-Klein, Public Affairs Officer, StepChange;

David McNeill, Director of Development, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO);

Heather O'Rourke, Digital Transformation Lead, Money Advice Scotland;

Conor Forbes, Head of Business Development and Policy, Advice Direct Scotland;

Susie Fitton, Policy Manager, Inclusion Scotland.

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3 Inquiry into low income and debt problems (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard earlier in the meeting.

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