Minutes: 22 January 2026

1. Decisions on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 3, 4 and 5 in private.

2. Social Security Scotland:

The Committee took evidence from—

David Wallace, Chief Executive, Karyn Dunning, interim Chief Operating Officer, and Gerry O'Donnell, interim Deputy Director for Finance and Corporate Services, Social Security Scotland.

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

3. Social Security Scotland (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard under item 2.

4. Correspondence - Section 8 of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2025 (In Private):

The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government regarding section 8 of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2025.

5. Work programme (In Private):

The Committee considered its work programme. The Committee agreed to hold evidence sessions on the Funeral Support Payment and the Job Start Payment. The Committee also agreed to forward a letter from the Scottish Government on the conditions for social care workers on tied and temporary visas to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee.