The Official Report is a written record of public meetings of the Parliament and committees.
All Official Reports of meetings in the Debating Chamber of the Scottish Parliament.
All Official Reports of public meetings of committees.
Displaying 903 contributions
Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 13 June 2024
Marie McNair
Thank you for that further clarity. Convener, my next question was on that very issue, but as it has been covered, I will hand back to you.
Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 13 June 2024
Marie McNair
We will take that issue back with us.
Do any other panel members have views on whether the bill sufficiently accounts for impacts on different equality groups? Is other action needed to make improvements? I will just pop that out there. We are being mindful of the time, so it would be great if you were quick with your comments.
Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 13 June 2024
Marie McNair
I agree.
Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 13 June 2024
Marie McNair
The Scottish Government states that the intention is that referral to a local authority from a relevant body should not be the default position. How can that be achieved in practice so that people do not continue just to be referred to local authorities? What else would need to happen—for example, with culture change and training—to ensure successful implementation of the need duties?
I will go back to Mr Mills from ALACHO. I know that you touched on that earlier, Mr Mills, but it would be very helpful if you could expand on your comments.
09:45Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 13 June 2024
Marie McNair
I know that a lot of good practice is already happening in local authorities, particularly in my area.
Does anyone else want to come in on that question? If not, I will, in the interests of time, move on to my next question.
Social Justice and Social Security Committee
Meeting date: 13 June 2024
Marie McNair
Thank you, convener, and good morning, panel members. My question is directed at Scottish Women’s Aid—so at Jules Oldham, obviously. In your evidence, you question whether there has been analysis or consideration of how the homelessness prevention duty will apply across equality groups. Will you expand on your comments and say why that is important and how it can be done in practice? You might have already covered that a little bit, but, if you could expand on it, that would be great.
Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee
Meeting date: 11 June 2024
Marie McNair
It feels as if good work is constrained by finance.
Does anyone else want to come in and share their views?
Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee
Meeting date: 11 June 2024
Marie McNair
Thank you; that is really helpful.
Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee
Meeting date: 11 June 2024
Marie McNair
Good morning. The committee is looking for the panel members’ thoughts on the financial and resource estimates in the financial memorandum. Tressa Burke, as you touched on the issue earlier, and I got the feeling that you had much more to say but that you felt that your time was constrained, and because it was your organisation that raised concerns that the funding that is required for the disability commissioner could be diverted away from other public policies that are aimed at disabled people, I will give you the opportunity to come in on that issue first.
Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee
Meeting date: 11 June 2024
Marie McNair
Good morning, panel members. You will know from sitting in during the previous evidence session that we are looking to hear your thoughts about the financial and resource estimates that are attached to the financial memorandum. I got a sense from the earlier session that the figure of £1 million is a huge underestimate; I pop that out there for your thoughts. Perhaps Eddie McConnell can start.