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Regarding access to short-term assistance payments, the Scottish Commission on Social Security suggested that

“the CDP claimant who applies for ADP might well be protected by the non-discrimination provision of the European Convention on Human Rights.”

What is your view on that? Has legal advice been sought about it?

I share the concerns that have been raised by Pam Duncan-Glancy about the capacity that is available to SCOSS to scrutinise properly, and I wanted to put that on record.

Mr Balfour has kind of asked my question regarding short-term assistance, but how different are the criteria between CDP and ADP?

I would welcome feedback on that.

The Scottish Commission on Social Security suggested that a recipient who then

“applies for ADP might well be protected by the non-discrimination provision of the European Convention on Human Rights.”

I am just asking what your view is on that. Has legal advice been sought? If you do not have the information to hand, you could certainly pass it on to the committee, or you could write to me later.

Adult disability payments will not be assessed by the private sector. Have you anticipated any movement in the costs associated with that policy change?

I will direct my first question to One Parent Families Scotland. Despite our best efforts, the United Kingdom Government is going ahead with the biggest-ever cut to social security since the 1930s by removing the £20-a-week uplift to universal credit. How big a blow is that to everyone’s efforts to reduce child poverty?

The removal of the £20 universal credit uplift will take many people out of UC and, therefore, eligibility for the Scottish child payment. How has that been factored into your projections?

Is the more compassionate approach that Scotland is taking to terminal illness claims a possible factor in some of the cost increases that are projected?

I actually want to pose another question, which I direct to Crisis. I noted your comments regarding the housing costs. Joseph Rowntree Foundation, when giving evidence at one of our previous meetings, shared the same view that single parents face very high housing costs. How much has freezing the local housing allowance rates contributed to that?

Good morning, cabinet secretary. I welcome your appearance here this morning.

What is the most compelling argument that the Westminster Government has made for introducing UK-wide legislation on the matter?