Social Justice Committee, 17 Apr 2002

Meeting date: Wednesday, April 17, 2002

Official Report 229KB pdf

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Cross-cutting Expenditure Reviews

Item 4 is the Finance Committee's cross-cutting expenditure review. Members will note that the Finance Committee is to undertake two cross-cutting expenditure reviews—one on children in poverty and one on voluntary sector funding. Members will also note that that committee has established two reporters groups. We are being asked whether we want to appoint a reporter to each of those groups. I have spoken informally to the convener of the Finance Committee, who indicated that the issue is about whether mechanisms for funding are rational.

There was a concern that we might be overburdening the voluntary sector by keeping going back to talk to them about their issues. They just want the issues that they have already identified to be sorted out. We have had some reassurance on that.

We must decide whether it is necessary for committee members to be in the reporters groups. As convener, I would welcome access to the papers for both of the issues and, if appropriate, a commitment to reporting to the Social Justice Committee. I will take brief comments about whether we want to put someone on to each of those groups.

We should. It is always good to work with other committees and find out what is going on. The more we understand the methodology and delivery mechanisms the better. I have a degree in economics and have always been interested in these issues. I would be interested in serving on the children in poverty group, but it is important that we have representatives on both groups.

When we did our report on the inquiry into the voluntary sector, I was conscious that, although the voluntary sector was at pains to point out that it wanted to be included, it did not want a situation to arise in which people could not deal with the jobs that they are required to do. If we decide to appoint a reporter, they should take that on board and ensure that the voluntary sector is dealt with as sensitively as possible and that the group does not repeat the work that the Social Justice Committee has already undertaken.

There may be timetabling difficulties in going to meetings. The main issue is that the people who are given remits from our committee should get the paperwork, draw it to our attention and input to their groups any issues that arise.

I sense that members are content that we should have representatives on the groups, as the work is going ahead regardless. We have one volunteer for the children in poverty group. Do we have any more volunteers?

Voluntary sector funding fits logically with Karen's Whitefield's existing remit, but if she does not want to take part in that group, I am happy to do so.

I am happy for Robert Brown to do that.

Robert Brown will take part in the voluntary sector group and Kenny Gibson will take part in the children in poverty group. Is that agreed?

Members indicated agreement.

As convener, I ask to be given the papers for both groups. We will also wish to refer our voluntary sector report to the Finance Committee for its information and underline our anxieties about overburdening the voluntary sector.