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There were some welcome policy changes from PIP, but the Scottish Government’s stated priority is a safe and secure transfer from the DWP to Social Security Scotland. I want to explore the risks around transfers. Given your experience in the benefits system, can you comment on past experiences of transfers between DWP benefits? Did they meet their stated timescales? I ask Ed Pybus and Richard Gass to comment again, please.

Thank you for your attendance at the committee, which is very much appreciated. To aid our understanding of the 20m mobility rule in PIP, which was introduced by the Tory Government at Westminster, will you explain what the rationale was for introducing it? Was there an impact assessment? Is there any suggestion that the UK Government will move away from it, given the condemnation of the policy?

I welcome the Scottish Government’s approach to terminal illness. It takes a more compassionate and, as far as I understand, a more generous approach by awarding the enhanced rates of the mobility and daily living components of PIP. Is there any concern that that difference could create confusion? How can we minimise that? Is there any indication that the Westminster Government intends to learn from the Scottish approach to terminal illness policy?

It is addressed to anyone.

Does the panel welcome the approach to encouraging and supporting the submission of further evidence, given the DWP experience? What more can be done to get the message out that a different approach will be taken to evidence gathering?

I ask Ed Pybus and Richard Gass to respond.

A lot of funding comes from councils. Can you highlight any good practices by councils in their financial support to the third sector? I will put that first to Myles Fitt and then to anyone else who wants to comment.

I am interested in the volunteer part, because we need to do all that we can to break down the barriers associated with volunteering. We heard recently about the barriers regarding universal credit that people face when they try to volunteer.

The Scottish Government has acted in several ways to support the third sector during the pandemic. What has worked well and what can be improved? What good lessons can we learn for the future?

What can be done to improve that? Back to you, Ian.

Thank you very much for giving evidence this morning—it is really helpful and very much appreciated.

There is a lot of joint working between the third sector and councils. How important is the third sector relationship with local government, and what can be done to improve it? Are there any examples that you can give of good practice during the Covid pandemic that you would like to highlight? I will put that to Myles Fitt and Ian Bruce.