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Will you repeat the question?

That is a huge concern, and we recognise that financial control and the creation of debt in abusive relationships can adversely impact victims/survivors. Of course, that can include public debt such as rent and council tax arrears. Through the current Housing (Scotland) Bill, we are taking steps to improve how social landlords respond in such circumstances, by requiring them to develop and implement domestic abuse policies and to provide specialist support before legal action is taken over arrears that are connected with such abuse. We are also committed to bringing part 2 of the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021 into force in December 2025. That will enable courts to transfer secure tenancies away from perpetrators and give victims the option to remain in their home safely.

More broadly, the Scottish Government recognises the impact that public debt can have on people in vulnerable situations and we encourage all public bodies to adopt best practice in debt collection and advice. We are investing £2.2 million to expand Citizens Advice Scotland’s council tax debt project, which provides tailored support to affected households and promotes best practice in debt collection across local authorities. I am fully aware that it is a complex and multifaceted area. I am quite happy to bring in James Messis, who will be able to provide the member with further information.

James, are you happy to answer that?

I can only reiterate that we are always on standby to work with the UK Government. Although there are certain benefits that we have created, we know that some, such as universal credit, are down to the DWP. The committee’s emphasis of that joint partnership is welcome, but it requires both parties to be able to do that.

Yes—thank you for that.

I beg your pardon—I have so much information in front of me that it is like sitting an exam.

It is, of course, essential to have a trauma-informed approach. We know that financial abuse in the context of domestic abuse can mean that abusive partners claim social security benefits, which further traps victims and survivors.

Our charter commits Social Security Scotland to adopting trauma-informed practice as standard, and the agency is actively working to embed that practice across the organisation. All Social Security Scotland’s health and social care staff undergo training on trauma-informed practice, in conjunction with NHS Education for Scotland. Social Security Scotland’s induction programme includes trauma awareness, and those in the workforce, including local delivery advisers, complete annual training that covers the principles of safeguarding, recognising abuse and public protection.

As part of its commitment to being a learning service, Social Security Scotland welcomes feedback from clients, which is really important in ensuring that the client experience is as good as it can be. It takes feedback from clients, colleagues and stakeholders, which helps to inform any changes that we need to make. Social Security Scotland continually revises its guidance to ensure that women are supported in the best possible way. I hope that that is helpful.

Yes, absolutely—we are very keen to understand why. The fact that 30 out of 32 councils have applied for the fund demonstrates that there has been a massive uptake, but we can address anything that is missing.

As I said, as a Government and through our agencies such as Social Security Scotland, I have reiterated that it is a learning situation. I am very interested in considering that suggestion. Once the committee comes up with its recommendations, I would absolutely be happy to consider what is brought forward. I thank the member for raising that point.

You will be aware that the Scottish Government invested £0.5 million in the fund to leave over a five-month period in five local authority areas. At this moment, no decision has been made on the Scottish Government’s roll-out, and as yet, we have not investigated the cost of a national or permanent scheme.

That is not a no. Let me be clear that the issue is with the appropriate ministers—not me—but no decision has been made on that. As with any pilot, it has been undertaken in the spirit of experimentation, so that we could test the impact of the fund, particularly with a view to improving outcomes. Initial evaluation of the impact found that it helped more than 500 women experiencing domestic abuse while facing financial hardship.

We are in that evaluation phase, and like in any evaluation or pilot project, we have to stand back and reflect on what other supports are already available in other areas of investment. For instance, the Scottish Government invests quite significantly—£97 million in 2025-26—in discretionary housing payments. That enables local authorities to assist eligible households who are struggling with housing costs. There is also the £41 million in the Scottish welfare fund.

As I said, no decision has been made but an evaluation is going on.

Absolutely.