1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 5 in private.

2. Financial considerations when leaving an abusive relationship:

The Committee took evidence from—

Lynne O'Brien, Chief Officer for Children and Families, Aberlour;

Erica Young, Senior Policy Officer (Social Justice), Citizens Advice Scotland;

Kirsty McKechnie, Early Warning System Project Manager (Scotland), Child Poverty Action Group Scotland.

3. UK Government Welfare Reforms:

The Committee took evidence from—

Fiona Collie, Head of Public Affairs and Communications, Carers Scotland;

Emma Jackson, Head of Social Justice, Citizens Advice Scotland;

Chris Birt, Associate Director for Scotland, Joseph Rowntree Foundation;

Dr Hannah Randolph, Economist Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute;

Dr Sally Witcher OBE FRSA, Founder and Director, Inclusive New Normal.

Jeremy Balfour declared an interest as a recipient of Adult Disability Payment and the Personal Independence Payment.

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

The Committee considered the evidence heard under item 2.

5. UK Government Welfare Reforms (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard under item 3.