Minutes: 05 February 2026

1. Decisions on taking business in private:

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

2. Budget Scrutiny 2026-27:

The Committee took evidence on the Scottish Government's Budget 2026-27 from—

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Julie Humphreys, Director Tackling Child Poverty and Social Justice, Stephen Kerr, Director for Social Security, and Adele Corner, Finance Lead, Social Justice, Scottish Government.

Jeremy Balfour declared an interest as a recipient of Adult Disability Payment.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee took evidence on the Social Security (Residence and Presence Requirements) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] from—

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Kyle Murray, Procedural and International Policy Team Leader, and Alex MacNeil, Solicitor, Social Security Futures and New Benefits Branch, Scottish Government.

4. Subordinate legislation:

Shirley-Anne Somerville (Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice) moved—

S6M-20455—That the Social Justice and Social Security Committee recommends that the Social Security (Residence and Presence Requirements) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved.

The motion was agreed to. The Committee agreed to delegate to the Convener finalisation of a report on the instrument.

5. Job Start Payment (In Private):

The Committee agreed to invite witnesses to a round-table evidence session on 5 March.

6. Budget Scrutiny 2026-27 (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard under item 2.