Seòmar agus comataidhean

Good morning, Ms Baxter, and thank you for joining us this morning.

In a previous committee meeting, Unison outlined cuts to staffing and increased workloads and you have also mentioned that. Some of the figures that the committee has been given suggest that, since 2015, we have seen a 2 per cent higher employment level. We all know about the lack of social care staff—I certainly know about that in Edinburgh. Where does that employment figure come from and in what areas have you seen a loss of members?

Scottish National Party and Green ministers have said that the budget will reduce inequalities. What is your opinion on that, given that we know that there are £371 million of cuts attached to the budget?

From reading between the lines, I guess that we should expect nothing above a 3 per cent increase for inflation, which is what COSLA outlined previously. I take it that that is your expectation, too.

I think that all MSPs are acutely aware of the cost-of-living crisis, especially in relation to increases in energy costs. A significant increase in council tax would hit many people hard. Has there been an impact assessment of any increase? I know that Shona Robison has told other committees that the council tax element of people’s outgoings is one of the hardest taxes for people to pay. Will above-inflation increases push more people in Scotland into poverty?

That basket of measures has resulted in a 25 per cent increase in council tax debt to more than £95 million. It is clear that those who are least able to pay council tax are in arrears—councils are reporting that.

What else will the Government do on the issue of any increases in council tax? It is clear that the cost-of-living issue will impact on those who are least likely to be able to pay more council tax, especially if the increase is above inflation, and many councils could bring in council tax increases that are way above inflation.

With respect, I say that it is SNP councillors who have spoken out against the current proposed budget in a letter to the First Minister. It is not just Conservatives; it is clear that SNP council leaders are not content with the budget that you have proposed.

Do you accept that local government is not receiving the full allocation of Barnett consequentials that it should receive as a percentage, and that, in fact, an additional £371 million should be provided to local government in Scotland?

Does Martin Booth want to add anything?

That would be helpful. Thank you.

Finally, I want to ask a question about the national care service. Ministers have said that they will introduce the bill for that this year. A number of people, including COSLA and others, have expressed concerns about what that service will look like. What is your view of that, and what impact do you think it will have on your members and the recruitment crisis in social care that you have already talked about?

You are mixing us up, convener—it is Miles Briggs and Mark Griffin. [Laughter.] It is new year—I will let you off.