Seòmar agus comataidhean

My next question is on NPF4. You said that improvements could be made to it to protect woodlands. What improvements could be made?

The Woodland Trust has campaigned for years for the protection of ancient woodlands. Has any progress been made on the commitments that were made by the Scottish Government? Will they offer greater protection?

Will commitments by the Scottish Government offer greater protection to ancient woodlands?

I think that my questions, which were on minimum unit pricing being index linked, have been answered.

That would be great. Does everyone agree with that course of action?

Members indicated agreement.

We will keep the petition open and write to all the relevant stakeholders. Are members agreed?

Members indicated agreement.

Thank you, Paul. To update the committee, Natalie Don’s proposed member’s bill is only about a pardon; it is not about a national memorial or an apology.

Claire and Zoe, is there anything that you have not been asked about, which you would like to say in evidence?

Once again, I thank the witnesses. I suspend the meeting to allow them to leave.

Our second continued petition is PE1854, on a review of the adult disability payment eligibility criteria for people with mobility needs, which has been lodged by Keith Park on behalf of the MS Society. The petition calls on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to remove the 20m rule from the proposed adult disability payment eligibility criteria or identify an alternative form of support for people with mobility needs.

The committee last considered the petition at its meeting on 17 November 2021 and agreed to write to Citizens Advice Scotland, Parkinson’s UK Scotland, the Neurological Alliance of Scotland and MS Society Scotland. The committee was keen to understand whether stakeholders believe that changes to the eligibility criteria for new disability benefits in Scotland would risk other reserved benefits being withdrawn.

Responses to the committee’s correspondence largely stated that stakeholders do not believe that changes to the 20m rule would impact on the passporting of reserved benefits. Stakeholders also challenged the Scottish Government’s concern about creating a two-tiered system as a result of differing eligibility criteria for the personal independence payment and adult disability payments.

The Scottish Government has previously stated that there will be an independent review of adult disability payments, which will report in 2023. I understand that work on the review will begin later this year.

Do colleagues have any suggestions?

Ruth, do you have any comments?