The Scottish Government's new benefits IT system has seen its projected costs rise to £251 million, up from an earlier estimate of £212 million, according to a letter to Holyrood's Public Audit Committee. The 'project end date' is listed as 'tbc', sparking criticism from opposition parties.
Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy described the situation as a 'job half done', stating that the SNP's lack of planning has led to soaring costs. She called for a person-centred system fit for the future, adding that the price tag should have delivered a radically different social security system.
Liberal Democrat social security spokesperson Caron Lindsay labelled the system an 'expensive disaster', noting that the SNP's handling of previous projects does not inspire confidence. Tory MSP Miles Briggs warned that costs cannot spiral out of control and demanded reassurance that the infrastructure is robust and fair to taxpayers.
The devolved social security system, agreed upon after the independence referendum, includes benefits for disabled people, carers, parents, and the elderly. Social Security Scotland was established to administer these payments, but the phased approach still involves paying Whitehall to temporarily deliver some benefits.
A Scottish Government spokesperson defended the costs, attributing them to the delivery of the Scottish Child Payment and pandemic support. They described the pace of delivery as 'remarkable' given the scale and complexity, prioritising safe and secure benefit transfers.
