Minutes: 22 May 2025

1. Decisions on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 5, 6 and 7 in private.

2. Financial considerations when leaving an abusive relationship:

The Committee took evidence from—

Kaukab Stewart, Minister for Equalities, Simon Coote, Head of Cross Cutting Policy Unit, Janine Kellett, Head of Homelessness Unit, James Messis, Council Tax and Reform Policy Team Leader, and Eileen Flanagan, Policy Manager, Scottish Government.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instrument—
The Council Tax Reduction (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/112)

The Committee agreed to make no recommendations in relation to the instrument.

4. Financial considerations when leaving an abusive relationship (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard under item 2.

5. Child poverty statistics and next delivery plan (In Private):

The Committee considered the written evidence received and discussed some issues what could be included in the child poverty delivery plan.

6. Annual report (In Private):

The Committee considered a draft annual report for the parliamentary year from 13 May 2024 to 12 May 2025. The report was agreed for publication.

7. Work programme (In Private):

The Committee considered its work programme. The Committee agreed a draft letter to the Committee for Communities at the Northern Ireland Assembly on proposed UK welfare reforms.