Chamber and committees

Social Justice and Social Security Committee

Meeting Minutes

10th Meeting, 2023

Date: Thursday, April 27, 2023
Session: 6
Location: T4.40-CR2 The Fairfax Somerville Room
Meeting opened at: 09:03
Meeting closed at: 11:35
Published: Friday, April 28, 2023 11:41am

Committee Members Attendees

1 Declaration of interests:

Katy Clark, Gordon MacDonald, Marie McNair, Paul O'Kane and Collette Stevenson were invited to declare any relevant interests. Paul O'Kane declared interests as the Chair of Trustees of Neilston War Memorial Association and a member of ENABLE Scotland.

2 Choice of Convener:

The Committee chose Collette Stevenson as its Convener.

3 Choice of Deputy Convener:

The Committee chose Gordon MacDonald as its Deputy Convener.

4 Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 7 in private.

5 Cost of living: disabled people and unpaid carers:

The Committee took evidence from—

Adam Stachura, Head of Policy and Communications, Age Scotland;

Richard Meade, Director, Carers Scotland and Northern Ireland;

Becky Duff, Director for Scotland, Carers Trust;

Steven McAvoy, Senior Welfare Rights Advisor, ENABLE Scotland;

Frazer Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Action Scotland;

Allan Faulds, Policy and Information Officer, Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE);

Heather Fisken, Head of Policy and Research, Inclusion Scotland;

Suzanne Munday, Gypsy / Traveller Service Lead, MECOPP;

Ellie Wagstaff, Senior Policy Manager, Marie Curie Scotland;

Morna Simpkins, Scotland Director, MS Society Scotland;

Ruth Boyle, Policy and Campaigns Manager, The Poverty Alliance;

Stephanie Millar, Policy Manager, Citizens Advice Scotland.

6 Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Bill (In Private):

The Committee considered a draft Stage 1 report. Various changes were agreed to, and the report was agreed for publication.

7 Correspondence:

The Committee considered and agreed a draft letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice.