1. Decisions on taking business in private:

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

2. Budget Scrutiny 2025-26:

The Committee took evidence on the Scottish Government's Budget 2025-26 from—

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, James Wallace, Deputy Director for Communities Finance, and Julie Humphreys, Director Tackling Child Poverty & Social Justice, Scottish Government.

Mark Griffin said that he had no relevant interests to declare in relation to the Committee’s remit. Jeremy Balfour declared an interest as a recipient of Personal Independence Payment.

3. Budget Scrutiny 2025-26 (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard under item 2.

4. Work programme (In Private):

The Committee considered its work programme. The Committee agreed to hold a roundtable evidence session on pensioner poverty.