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Good morning. You are aware that Parliament recently agreed a moratorium on new commissions and a root-and-branch review of existing commissions. What are your thoughts on that position? I will go to Jan Savage first, because she is nodding her head.

Thank you. That is helpful to the committee. Professor O’Hagan, do you have anything further to add?

Thank you, convener. I know that Mr Doris likes the floor, but other members want to come in.

Cabinet secretary, in the parliamentary debate earlier this week, you and I both called out the use of certain language—the specific word was “handouts”. Worryingly, the two main Opposition leaders used that word. Do you worry that, if people persevere in using that kind of language, that will undermine efforts to increase take-up and will deter folk from claiming?

I was looking to come in on theme 1, but I will come in later on with some general questions.

Absolutely. It could be any one of us in that situation. Parliamentarians need to be mindful of the language that they use.

Disabled people are extremely concerned about the UK Government’s plans for personal independence payment and work capability assessments. Do you have concerns about how those plans will impact the social security budget through the block grant?

Good morning. The UK Government is planning to reform health and disability benefits. How might that affect the Scottish budget?

I want to look at that. There will probably be a reduction in disability capability assessments, but we will see what happens. Obviously, the budget is also burdened by the decisions that we have taken to mitigate Westminster policies such as the bedroom tax and the benefit cap. How much is needed to mitigate those policies? Is there any indication that the UK Government will scrap them, or do you anticipate that that burden on the budget will stay constant?

I do not want to put you on the spot—

You have said that you will be making regulations. Will that be at the start of 2025, or is it likely to be nearer the end of the year? I would like to get clarity on that.

Good morning. In your opening contribution, minister, you advised that you will make regulations for child welfare reports. It might be helpful to the committee if you could say a bit more on the Scottish Government’s plans for that.

On the regulation of child welfare reporters, Scottish Women’s Aid and Children 1st suggested to the committee that some worthwhile changes could be made to current practices just now, even if the full implementation of the relevant part of the Children (Scotland) Act 2020 cannot be delivered at the present time. Is that something that the Scottish Government could consider? What engagement is planned with those stakeholders—or is the work plan still to be worked up?