The Social Security Committee takes evidence from the social security minister
Local authorities, housing developments and hate crime are amongst issues raised during general questions
Tories accuse First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of double standards over its stance on shale gas
SNP MSP Jenny Gilruth leads this afternoon's members debate on mental health education
The government lead a debate entitled 'The Expansion of Early Learning and Childcare Provision'
Labour MSP Pauline McNeil asks about the transfer of £200m to set up the new Scottish social security system.
Ms Freeman says the £200m is a one off implementation cost.
Stphen Kerr says £66m will be paid annually.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe effects of poverty in the UK cost the average taxpayer £1,200 a year, and the UK £78bn in total, a report says.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation looked at how poverty - living on incomes below 60% of the median - affected different government services.
The NHS bore the brunt of the costs, it said, as those in poverty were "more likely" to suffer ill health.
The government said employment was key to beating poverty, adding that "we've made good progress".
The foundation, which funds research into social policy, said its total bill for poverty did not include money spent on benefits.
It said the research, external, conducted by Heriot-Watt and Loughborough universities, was the first to look at how much poverty across all age groups costs different government departments.
Conservative MSP Adam Tomkins points to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, external call to tackle poverty which is very challenging.
Mr Tomkins asks if the minister agrees work is the best way out of poverty.
Ms Freeman says the Joseph Rowntree Foundation is very clear that it is not work that gets people out of poverty, but well rewarded and recognised work is a major contributor to families and individuals getting out of poverty.
Labour MSP Mark Griffin raises the issue of payments being made to the partners of domestically abused women.
Image source, ThinkstockMs Freeman says the Scottish government will only have flexibilities around Universal Credit, like the issue of the single household payment.
She says there are different ways to change this, like giving the money to the principle carer of children for example.
The minister says the government is working with Engender , externalon this issue.
Conservative MSP Gordon Lindhurst asks if the government are looking at people who may be paying out of their own provisions for care.
Conservative MSP Gordon Lindhurst
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman says the core of Mr Lindhurst's question lies with her colleagues in health.
Ms Freeman says there is a clear correlation between the work the social security and health teams are doing and she is sure those in health are aware of concerns around people paying for their own care.
Image source, bbcMs Freeman says she is absolutely confident that the new social security system can treat people with respect and dignity.
The minister says the current appeal rate is 65% shows the UK welfare system is not working.
SNP MSP George Adam raises the issue of PIP payments and says the current systems is flawed in dealing with disabled families.
Ms Freeman agrees and says: "The current system strips people of their dignity and undermines their self esteem and is perceived by people to be unfair, deeply unfair."
Ms Freeman says there is a disproportionate impact of poverty on the disabled and women.
The minister says there are actions to mitigate this.
She wants a system that gives people greater access to the benefits they are entitled to and to encourage them to take these benefits.
The minister says there are a range of steps that can be taken to address these issues.
SNP MSP Ruth Maguire raises the issue of providing passported benefits.
Ms Freeman says there must be care taken in the interaction between the Scottish and UK system.
The minister says Scottish government measures must have no impact on DWP benefits.
Scottish Green MSP Alison Johnstone ask why the top up powers are not featured in the consultation.
Ms Freeman says: "It does feature in the consultation."
The minister says the primary issues that are coming through in the consultation are about how people are treated.
Image source, Getty ImagesMs Johnstone says Child Poverty Action Group, external are calling for a £5 top up for child benefit.
Ms Freeman says a Child Poverty Bill will come to the parliament and the government has mitigated against UK government policies like the bedroom tax.
She says the CPAG proposal is being considered at the moment.
Holyrood ministers are considering scrapping the use of the word "benefits" when they take charge of parts of the social security system.
Responsibility for ill health and disability benefits is being devolved to Holyrood.
Image source, LUKASSEKThe Scotland Bill is to give Holyrood control over benefits for people with disabilities
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman believes there is "value in looking at at whether we continue to use the word 'benefits'" when that happens.
A consultation on how devolved benefits should be delivered, external has been launched.
Quote MessageI am absolutely confident and convinced we will run a better system.
Jeane Freeman, Social Security Minister
Stephen Kerr from the Scottish government says the work really begins when the consultation closes.
Labour MSP Pauline McNeill asks what can be done to ensure a smooth transition.
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman draft legislation will be before parliament next year.
The new social security system, when fully functional, will make more payments in a week, than the Scottish government currently makes in a year.
Scottish Labour MSP Mark Griffin asks, if the Scottish governments approach is successful, and the claimant bill is reduced, would that result in any claw back from the UK government.
Stephen Kerr, Social Security Director with the Scottish Government says it is difficult to say whether there would be any refund but that there are provisions in the framework for the governments to open conversations about it.
MSPs are to question the UK work and pensions secretary about the Tory government's approach to welfare.
Damian Green MP will appear before Holyrood's social security committee on Thursday 3 November.
Image source, ReutersDamian Green will appear before MSPs on the social security committee in November
The session will be the first time a UK secretary of state for work and pensions has appeared before a Scottish Parliament committee.
Scotland is setting up its own social security framework, having taken on extra welfare powers from Westminster.
Scottish Conservative MSP Adam Tomkins asks about the importance of a close and effective working relationship with the UK government.
Mr Tomkins asks about a quote from Angela Constance in the Daily Record where she said that no information would be provided to the DWP on sanctions.
Image source, bbcMs Freeman says the two governments have different policies on social security, but pledges there should be "no political grandstanding".
"We'd be daft to pretend we don't disagree, of course we disagree."
She says: "We do not believe that sanctions are either fair or effective."
SNP MSP Ben MacPherson asks if there is a determination from the DWP and stakeholders about making sure claimants expectations are being met.
Ms Freeman says officials have been working hard on this for a long time and continue to do so.
The social security minister says they are aware of the importance of the task.
She says the level of advice and support for the claimant will have to be high and that she intends that all the information required on the new system will be provided.
"There is no sense in having an all singing, all dancing system in Scotland if no one knows how to get near it", she says.
The most vulnerable people in Scotland are falling into destitution because the benefits system is "simply not working", according to a charity.
Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) called for urgent government action as it revealed a 47% increase in food bank inquiries on its services.
Image source, ThinkstockIt said it provided advice on emergency food providers 7,400 times in 2014/15.
The UK government said the report failed to recognise that poverty in Scotland was at a record low.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Work and Pensions said it spends £90bn a year on working-age benefits to help the most vulnerable in society.
Image source, bbc/Scottish ParliamentHolyrood will have 15% of social security powers, while Westminster retains 85%
Social Security Committee convener Sandra White asks about the transitional period and ensuring no-one falls through the middle.
Ms Freeman says the government is working with organisations to explain to people the changes that are coming.
The social security minister says care must be taken to ensure people do not fall through the net.
She says a huge amount of expertise will be required from organisations like Citizens Advice Scotland and third sector organisations.
The minister says it is easier to take on 100% of the social security powers, than having only 15% with 85% remaining reserved.
She stresses the need for a safe and secure transition.
Ms Freeman again highlights the complexity of setting up a new social security system.
The social security minister says this government intends to hold itself to a gold standard on social security.
She says the government wants the involvement of the people of Scotland and those who support them.
The minister says: "Dignity, fairness and respect will be demonstrated in all that we do."