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On a more general and less technical note, what overall impact will extending and increasing the Scottish child payment, as well as the other measures that we are speaking about today, have on the Scottish Government’s national mission to tackle child poverty?

Good morning. It is clear from what a number of organisations and individuals have said that the increase to the Scottish child payment is really welcome. We have seen and heard a host of evidence to support that. The Parliament is ambitious in its aim to end poverty, and it is disheartening when that ambition is frustrated by UK Government policy.

It is clear that the assistance offered by the SCP might be limited for some families due to the threshold rules on universal credit. Has there been any discussion with the UK Government or the DWP regarding the impact of the increase to the Scottish child payment and the potential that it could create a cliff edge, as some people might breach the universal credit threshold? If so, what has been the result of those discussions?

Good morning to the panel. We have touched on this issue briefly, and the strategic plan sets out some detail on it, but I am looking for further clarification on your triage process and how ESS will prioritise work and identify which issues should be investigated. That question goes first to Neil Langhorn.

To follow on from that, are there any issues that you consider to be outside the scope of investigation by ESS?

That is helpful; thank you.

I direct my next question to Mark Roberts. I understand that the ESS budget has increased, and ESS has stated that the increase is to cover operating costs and staff. Will you confirm whether ESS has now recruited its full complement of staff and whether it anticipates that it will require any additional budget for operating at full capacity?

Good morning, panel. I have been waiting patiently. My first question is directed to Jo Green and John Kerr. How are reductions in budgets impacting SEPA and NatureScot at a time when they are required to take on additional regulatory and statutory functions resulting from EU exit and the demands of tackling the climate and biodiversity crises?

So, we come back to uncertainty.

David, do you have anything to add?

Good morning, everyone. We have touched on this topic, but I would like some further explanation. How might the proposed system of EORs affect public and stakeholder participation in decision making on new developments? I put that question to Lloyd Austin first.