Seòmar agus comataidhean

Good morning, panel. Mr Rogerson, do you think that the figure for estimated recoverable payments of up to £5.5 million per year by 2028-29 is reasonable?

Mr Gass, do you want to add to that?

Yes—sorry.

That would be very helpful to the committee, thank you.

Good morning, panel. We appreciate you coming along to our committee again.

Mr Gass, what experience do you have of supporting clients with Social Security Scotland benefit appeals? How does it differ from appeals on reserved benefits?

I have one more question, with your indulgence, convener. Mr Gass, you mentioned standard letters. Does that apply to appeals? What are the benefits of those types of letters being accepted when an appeal is lodged?

I will move on to Ms Young. In your organisation’s written submission, you refer to

“prolonged wait times for an appeal to be listed, poor communication and administrative ‘hold-ups’”

arising from Social Security Scotland and the tribunal service. Can you expand on the issues that clients are facing?

Thanks for that. I could go on but I had better hand back to the convener.

In earlier evidence, the committee heard concerns that tribunal hearings are being held over the phone rather than in person. How does that practice affect the quality of decision making? Are there any potential implications of that for a human rights-based approach to social security? I put that question to either of you.

Do you think that standard letters should and could be accepted by the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland?