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1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 4, 5 and 6 in private.

2. Child Poverty and Parental Employment Inquiry:

The Committee took evidence from—

Helen Herd, Head of Human Resources and Rachel Hunter, Director of Enterprise Support, Highlands and Islands Enterprise;

Harvey Tilley, Chief Operating Officer and Heather Melville-Hume, Senior HR Manager, Independent Living Fund Scotland;

Andy Wood, People Services Lead, The Wheatley Group.

3. Social Security Scotland disability benefit processing times:

The Committee took evidence from—

David Wallace, Chief Executive, Social Security Scotland and Ally MacPhail, Deputy Director for Strategy, Change, Data and Engagement;

Sue Scotland, Deputy Director, Social Security Programme Management and Delivery Division, Social Security Directorate, Scottish Government.

4. Child Poverty and Parental Employment Inquiry (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard under agenda item 2.

5. Social Security Scotland disability benefit processing times (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence heard under agenda item 3.

6. Budget Scrutiny 2024-25 (In Private):

The Committee considered and agreed its approach to Budget Scrutiny 2024-25.

The Committee also agreed that any further approach papers, consideration of evidence received, and any draft letters or reports should be considered in private at future meetings.