Minutes: 17 September 2026

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 3 in private.

2. Pre-budget scrutiny:

The Committee took evidence from—

Victoria Carson, Engagement and Influence Director, The Wise Group;

Jayne Jones, Chief Executive, Scottish Food Commission;

David Phillips, Head of Devolved and Local Government Finance, Institute for Fiscal Studies;

Dr Spencer Thompson, Senior Knowledge Exchange Fellow, Scottish Health Equity Research Unit (SHERU), University of Strathclyde;

and then from—

Liam Davenport, Industrial Officer, PCS Union;

Carmen Martinez, Policy and Engagement Lead, Scottish Women's Budget Group;

Dr Chris Williams, Vice Chair, Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland.

Paul McLennan declared no relevant interest.

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

3. Pre-budget scrutiny:

The Committee agreed to defer this consideration to a future meeting.