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We cannot have a round-table discussion on pensions without mentioning the women against state pension inequality. They have obviously been badly let down by the UK Government. Do you have any insight into how their situation might impact on pension poverty levels?

Good morning. It is great to see everyone today; thank you for your time.

Our first theme is pension age income trends. We know that pensioner poverty levels were falling until 2008, when then they started to rise again. By 2015, relative poverty was at 15 per cent and has remained around that figure. I am interested in hearing the reasons for that, the main drivers of pensioner poverty today and the most effective routes out of it.

In 2023, 98 per cent of those of pension age were in receipt of state pension. To what extent are state pension levels the elephant in the room when it comes to pensioner poverty? I note that recent research from the House of Commons library asserts that the United Kingdom devotes a smaller percentage of gross domestic product to state pension compared to other advanced economies.

To start off with, then, does any of the witnesses have any comments on the reasons for and the impact of pensioner poverty and what requires to change in relation to UK pension policy? I will just pop that out there to whoever wants to start.

I understand that mixed-age couples that include someone who is of pension age and someone who is under it are being directed to universal credit as opposed to pension credit. Do the witnesses have any views on that, in respect of entitlements?

I will pass on some positive feedback to you. Your outreach teams in your locality bases are working really well. I have had a lot of positive feedback from constituents who are engaging face to face with them, and they have also supported me in a few of my cost of living events. Thank you. If you could feed that back, that would be great.

How does Social Security Scotland’s practice of overpayment recovery differ from that of the DWP?

Good morning, panel, and thanks again for the invite to visit your headquarters. I have been a few times and have always found that beneficial for my knowledge.

Over the years, the risks of overpayment of carers allowance have been highlighted. Do you envisage similar risks with carer support payment? If you do, what are you doing to minimise those risks?

It is good to hear that assurance. Going forward, will there be any change in the organisation’s debt recovery practice?

Thanks—that is helpful.

Thanks. That information was helpful.

Those are helpful comments that the committee will take away.

Going back to the discussion about powers, in your earlier responses to Maggie Chapman it sounded as though the commission is seeking further powers. Is that the case? You spoke about having limited resources as well. Do you feel that you are adequately resourced to fulfil your duties?