Minutes: 01 October 2026

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take agenda item 3 in private.

2. Pre-budget scrutiny 2027-28: How can the Scottish Budget best advance public service reform:

The Committee took evidence from—

Ivan McKee, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform, supported by;

Simon Mair, Deputy Director for Place Based Service Change and Reform, Cathy Sumner, Interim Deputy Director, Spending and Pay Strategy and Gabrielle Cahen, Team Leader for Strategy and Evidence, Scottish Government.

Joe Fagan declared an interest as a Councillor for South Lanarkshire Council.

Michelle Campbell declared interests as a Mental Health Nurse with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and as a Councillor for Renfrewshire Council.

3. Pre-budget Scrutiny 2027-28: How can the Scottish Budget best advance public service reform (In Private):

The Committee reviewed the evidence heard at agenda item 2.

The Committee agreed to consider a draft letter to the Scottish Government, setting out its findings and recommendations arising from Pre-budget Scrutiny 2027-28, at a future meeting.