Seòmar agus comataidhean

Welcome to the 16th meeting in 2024 of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee. I remind everyone to switch off, or put to silent, their mobile phones and other electronic devices.

The first item of business is to decide whether to take items 4 to 8 in private. Is the committee content to take those items in private?

Members indicated agreement.

The instrument amends the eligibility criteria for carer support payment, which is a form of assistance for people who provide regular and substantial care to someone who is in receipt of a qualifying disability benefit.

In correspondence with the Scottish Government, which is published alongside the papers for this meeting, the committee queried whether the instrument delivers the policy intention in relation to when a carer is in legal detention for a period, which is that that can still qualify as a “temporary break in care”. The Scottish Government responded that it considers that the regulations are in line with the intended policy and as such, does not plan any corrective action.

The committee considers that the drafting could have the result that, where a carer is in legal detention for a period, that period qualifies as a temporary break in care only if all of the circumstances that are set out in regulation 40(1)(b) of the principal regulations—SSI 2023/302—also apply; that is, that the carer or the cared-for person was an in-patient.

Does the committee wish to draw the instrument to the attention of the Parliament on reporting ground (h), that the meaning could be clearer, in that the instrument could be clearer in that regard?

Members indicated agreement.

Is the committee content with the instruments?

Members indicated agreement.

That concludes the public part of the meeting, and I will move the committee into private.

Under agenda item 2, we are considering five instruments. An issue has been raised on the following instrument.

Does the committee wish to invite the Scottish Government to reconsider whether any action to address the point would be appropriate?

Members indicated agreement.

Also under this agenda item, no points have been raised on the following instruments.

Under agenda item 3, we are considering one instrument, on which no points have been raised.

Is the committee content with the instrument?

Members indicated agreement.

Welcome to the 15th meeting in 2024 of the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee. I remind everyone to switch off or put on silent their mobile phones and other electronic devices.

The first item of business is to decide whether to take items 6 and 7 in private. Is the committee content to take those items in private?

Members indicated agreement.