Scotland's devolved welfare system has been branded a 'fraudster's charter' by the leader of the Scottish Conservatives, who warns that soaring benefit spending is spiralling out of control.
'Light Touch' Approach Fuels Spending Crisis
Russell Findlay has issued a stark warning that the Scottish National Party's administration is operating a benefits system where claims are taken largely at face value. He argues this 'light touch' approach is fuelling 'out of control' spending, with the total annual benefits bill projected to reach £10 billion within this decade.
In an interview with BBC Radio Scotland, Findlay stated that hard-working citizens and businesses are struggling under the weight of this expenditure. 'People who work hard are seeing more and more of their money disappearing into the Scottish Government’s coffers, and they’re seeing the benefits bill rising beyond all recognition,' he said.
The Tory leader confirmed his party is conducting a comprehensive review of all social security costs and will present specific proposals for spending reductions ahead of the next Holyrood election.
Auditor Raises Concerns Over Value for Money
The criticism follows earlier concerns raised by Scotland's Auditor General, Stephen Boyle. In November, he told MSPs that the quango delivering devolved benefits, Social Security Scotland, appeared more focused on 'client experiences' than on securing value for public money.
Boyle noted it was difficult to ascertain if the efficient use of funds was 'intrinsic' to the agency's management of its largest benefit, the Adult Disability Payment (ADP). This non-means-tested payment, worth up to £110.40 per week, is designed to assist those with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
However, uptake is surging dramatically:
- ADP accounts for £3.6 billion of this year's £6.9 billion benefits bill.
- It is forecast to rise to £5.4 billion of a £9.4 billion total by 2030.
- The number of claimants is expected to jump from 529,000 this year to 703,000 in 2030.
Boyle acknowledged the Scottish Government's priority of 'dignity, fairness and respect' through a less burdensome application process aimed at maximising take-up.
Conservatives Propose Cuts to Fund Tax Relief
Mr Findlay directly linked the ballooning welfare budget to high taxation, arguing that reining in social security spending could help pay for lower taxes. 'One pound in every seven that the Government spends is on social security,' he emphasised. 'It needs to be looked at. Scotland cannot afford this.'
His comments came ahead of two Conservative-led debates in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday. The first, on cutting tax bills, will see the party demand that First Minister John Swinney raise income tax thresholds in line with inflation. Tory finance spokesman Liz Smith argued the SNP 'can’t keep hammering hard-working Scots to pay for ever-spiralling welfare bills.'
In a second debate, the party's business spokesman Murdo Fraser will call for an immediate halt to a business rates revaluation, warning that hikes of up to 300% could 'sound the death knell for businesses' across the country.
Responding to the criticism, Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville defended the system's integrity and focus on support. 'At a time when people are struggling, the Tory plan to take support away would be a disaster,' she said. The Scottish Government also pointed out that Social Security Scotland identified and corrected over £9 million in overpayments last year, preventing nearly £3 million in further losses.
