IT disaster repeat is looming say MSPS

Fears over the prospect another multi-million Scottish Government IT blunder have been raised by MSPS after a string of recent costly failures.

A clear chain of command must be set out among civil servants handling IT systems across the public sector, Holyrood’s public audit committee had warned.

“The recent string of IT failures clearly demonstrates that there is a significant problem for the Scottish Government and other public bodies to address,” committee convenor Jackie Baillie said.

“With this in mind, the Scottish Government must be clear about who is ultimately accountable for the delivery of IT projects.”

Recent high-profile IT failures have included the disastrous £117 million NHS 24 system, as well as the £46m Police Scotland overhaul. Hundreds of farmers were also left waiting for EU subsidies after the CAP Futures reform of the payment system floundered.

But there is still confusion over who is “ultimately responsible” and the committee now wants clear lines of accountability to rebuild trust.

“The loss to the public purse and loss of public confidence has been substantial,” Ms Baillie said.