Seòmar agus comataidhean

Good morning, Sara. It is nice to see you here today and thank you for your submissions so far. I have a more general question. I want to get your views on budget decisions and what you feel will have the greatest impact on reducing inequality and promoting social justice.

Can the impact of the budget decisions and how they play out be quantified?

What are your views on the fiscal framework and how it works, or does not work, for Scotland?

No—that’s me, convener, thank you.

Good morning. Does the Scottish Fiscal Commission expect the £20 Scottish child payment to make a big difference to the people who apply for it?

Thank you, convener. Good morning, Dr Phin. Does Public Health Scotland believe that the arrangements in the European Union and United Kingdom trade and co-operation agreement will facilitate adequate participation of the UK in controlling cross-border threats to or from its closest neighbours?

Are there any other gaps that we need to consider or places where we need to strengthen things?

It is good to see a focus on preventative spend in the budget. How is the Scottish Government ensuring that there is a joined-up approach to spending and outcomes across portfolio areas?

We have heard about all the pressures on the NHS, and we are in the midst of another wave of Covid. How can funding for preventative spend measures be protected?

Thanks for all your information so far; it has been really helpful. To what extent might options for the independent review be constrained because of the way that devolved and reserved benefits interact? How should that problem be addressed? I pose that question to Judith Paterson.