New powers ‘staffing issues’

The Scottish Government could struggle to recruit the skilled staff needed to implement new financial powers, according to a report.

Audit Scotland said the scale of change required to set up and manage new responsibilities for taxes, social security and borrowing had resulted in “significant staffing implications”.

The amount of money raised in Scotland is to rise from about £4billion before the 2012 and 2016 Scotland Acts were introduced to £22billion by 2020.

More than half (52%) of Scotland’s budget will be raised directly in Scotland, compared with just 10% in 2014/15.

Auditors noted the number of full-time equivalent government staff reduced by 6% from 5,491 in March 2010 to 5,152 six years later.

“Recruiting staff may prove difficult”

“Successfully implementing and managing the new financial powers will require enough staff with the right knowledge and skills,” the report said.

“Recruiting staff with the technical experience required, for example in finance and programme management, may prove difficult.”

Audit Scotland said difficulties had already become apparent in recruiting to the Scottish Fiscal Commission, the body which will provide financial forecasts for Scotland.

Recruitment campaigns from September to December 2016 did not fill all posts on a permanent basis, including the chief executive position, which is not expected to be filled until summer 2017.

Auditors also said Scottish ministers must develop effective arrangements to manage the new powers.

Bill Clinton greets Martin McGuinness in 2010