Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton says his party have "anxieties" over Mr Tomkin's amendment opening the door for private companies, but says the Scottish government's similar amendment gets the balance right.

He welcomes the amendments put forward by Mark Griffin and Alison Johnstone, stating the latter will add an element of humanity to the system.

The minister's amendment 42 is agreed (for 96, against 26).

Mr Griffin's and Ms Johnstone's amendments are unanimously agreed.

Image source, bbbc

Green MSP Alison Johnstone also says she has concerns about the casualisation of labour, so says her party will also oppose the minister's amendments in this group.

Ms Johnstone says it is essential that the current appoach to assessments does not continue.

The Green MSP says these assessments cause undue stress and can exacerbate conditions and illnesses.

She says her amendment will mean assesments will only be required where necessary.

Image source, SP

Image source, bbc

We now move to the grouping on assessments.

Tory MSP Adam Tomkins speaks to his amendment saying he won't press it as he thinks the minister's amendment more accurately captures the policy intention he had aimed for.

Ms Freeman says her amendments in this group will ensure assessment are done differently and sweep away the failed DWP assessments system.

The minister thanks Labour MSP Mark Griffin and Green MSP Alison Johnstone for their efforts on amendments.

She urges all members to support the amendments in this group.

Labour MSP Mark Griffin says he cannot support the minister's amendments nor the amendment from Adam Tomkins, which will be withdrawn.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

MSPs pass amendment 35 with 90 MSPs backing it and 33 against.

Amendment 36 on take-up is also agreed to. As is 37.

MSPs agree to amendments 38,39 and 40.

Image source, bbc

Ms Freeman's initial amendments on advocacy are passed unanimously, but no surprise, amendment 35 leads to our first division.

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh calls a five minute suspension.

Time for quick cup of tea, but don't stray far!

SNP MSP George Adam says amendment 35 simply beds in existing standard practice.

Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton also welcomes the inclusion of advocacy services on the face of the Bill.

However, he expresses concern about amendment 35.

Responding to Mr Adam's point, he says the Scottish government provides guidance but this is very different from standards.

Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Mark Griffin congratulates the SIAA and the third sector for getting this right to advocacy in the Bill.

Mr Griffin says we have heard concerns that amendment 35 puts the independence of advocacy organisations at risk.

These organisations have real concerns about this amendment and already have a code of practice, which is why Labour will not be supporting the amendment he explains.

Tory MSP Jeremy Balfour welcomes the change to the definition of disability.

He says we must ensure advocacy only goes to those who need it.

Mr Balfour confirms his party will support the minister's amendments because a standard must apply across the country.

He offers to work with the Scottish government after today on the regulations.

We now move to amendments relating to advocacy, where there may be some disagreement.

Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman says her amendments make further provision for independent advocacy services.

Image source, bbc

Ms Freeman says the amendments have the approval of Disability Agenda Scotland, Inclusion Scotland among others.

She says advocacy support must be available across Scotland and cites a report which says provision for people with disabilities was patchy.

The minister says amendment 35 will provide advocacy service standards, which has not been universally welcomed.

The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, external have called for opposition to this amendment.

Ms Freeman explains her amendments place a duty on ministers to create a strategy to boost take-up rates.

Together with the other amendments, it means promotion of take-up will be enshrined in law, she says.

And another series of amendments are unanimously agreed.

The benefits that have been devolved are:

• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment
• Industrial Injuries Benefit
• Severe Disablement Allowance

Image source, Science Photo Library

• Weather Payment
• Funeral Payment
• Sure Start Maternity Grant
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Other Discretionary Housing Payments

Image source, bbbc

We now move to amendments relating to the promotion of take-up of benefits

Labour MSP Pauline McNeill points out that in the UK £13bn a year is not claimed.

The Labour MSP speaks to her amendment relating to the recognition of the importance of available data.

SNP MSP Ruth Maguire then speaks to her amendment stressing the importance of providing information in a way that is accessible for individuals who have a sensory, physical or mental disability.

Tory MSP Jeremy Balfour says accessing benefits can be a difficult procedure and speaks to his amendments and says his party support all the amendments in the group.

The second group contains 'minor and technical adjustments'.

Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman says information has already been provided to business managers and offers support to Tory MSP Jeremy Balfour's amendment also in the group.