Summary

  • The Social Security Committee takes evidence on the Social Security Bill from charities

  • Nicola Sturgeon is quizzed by opposition party leaders and MSPs during first minister's questions

  • Finance Secretary Derek Mackay delivers a ministerial statement on Air Departure Tax

  • The Scottish government delivers a ministerial statement on Scottish City Region Deals

  • MSPs debate the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses Bill before voting on its general principles at decision time

Live Reporting

Colin Bell and Craig Hutchison

  1. Background: Social Security (Scotland) Bill

    Scottish government sets out priorities for devolved benefits

    The Social Security (Scotland) Bill tabled at Holyrood provides a mechanism to pay a carer's allowance supplement at the earliest opportunity, as well as powers to top up reserved benefits.

    It provides the over-arching framework for the administration of social security in Scotland, and places a duty on Scottish ministers to give assistance to persons entitled to it.

    Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman said the legislation was a "significant moment for Scotland and for the history of devolution".

    She said: "I believe strongly that everyone has a right to social security - so much so that I have put these principles on the very first page of this Bill.

    "And these principles are embedded in our approach throughout - whether it is how entitlement to benefits is determined, a more just review and appeals system, or our decision to remove the private sector from disability benefit assessments."

  2. The Social Security Committee begins shortly

    The Social Security Committee will shortly being taking evidence on the Social Security Bill from :

    The legislation will place a duty on Scottish ministers to provide assistance to people who are entitled to itLUKASSEK

    The legislation will place a duty on Scottish ministers to provide assistance to people who are entitled to it

    and then from:

    Read their submissions here.

  3. Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live

    Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live on Thursday 5 October 2017.

    After general questions, we’ll bring you extensive coverage of first minister’s questions.

    We’ve opted for the Social Security Committee as it takes evidence from the third sector on the Social Security Bill.

    FMQs collagePA/Scottish Parliament

    Finance Secretary Derek Mackay will deliver a ministerial statement on Air Departure Tax

    The Scottish government will then deliver a ministerial statement on Scottish City Region Deals.

    MSPs will then debate the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses Bill before voting on its general principles at decision time.