Critical point
THE SNP Government have yet to work out much the new Scottish social security system will cost - with just over a year to go.
Scotl a n d ’ s publi c spending watchdogs warned the process is at a “critical point”.
The Government’s social security programme is supposed to be able to deliver the first wave of benefits by summer 2019.
Audit Scotland said a significant amount of work is still to be done, casting doubt on the deadline.
The report warned the Government have “not estimated the total cost of implementation” or how much it will go over the UK Government’s agreed £200million contribution.
Any excess will have to be found through the wider Scottish budget.
Audit Scotland said 110 staff have transferred to the new programme, creating pressures in other government departments.
More than 1500 people are expected to work for the social security agency.
The report warned it will be “challenging” to recruit enough people with skills to deliver the new powers.
Auditor Gen e ra l Caroline Gardner said: “More detailed workforce analysis and a much more transparent picture around overall costs are needed to ensure the right people and infrastructure are in place in time.
“Good early progress has been made on the Government’s social security plans but they are at a critical point.”
The SNP Government promised to use the new devolved powers to improve the social security system and make it fairer.
The Government will be responsible for benefits such as carer’s allowance supplement and funeral expenses assistance.
They will eventually cover larger benefits including disability living allowance and personal independence payments .
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman said: “We recognise the significant amount of work still to be done as we continue the programme to transfer powers, bring forward legislation and build the infrastructure we need.
“We are confident that we have robust plans in place and a full understanding of our overarching costs and are on track to deliver benefits to Scotland’s people.”
Labour’s social security spokesman Mark Griffin said: “This is a vital year for delivering new powers over social security but it appears ministers haven’t adequately budgeted for how much it will cost.”
Tory social security spokesman Adam Tomkins said: “The nationalists are about to learn not only how difficult it is to achieve a fair welfare system that’s af fordable but how complex it is to get it up and running.”