MP fury at ‘zombie department’ budget
AN SNP MP has branded the Scottish Office a “zombie department” and demanded to know why they need a massive budget increase.
Margaret Ferrier claims powers coming to Holyrood from Westminster have left the department with “next to no responsibilities” and has questioned why they’ve received an almost 20 per cent funding rise in the past five years. The real terms budget for Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell’s support office has increased for three out of five years since 2012-13.
The 2016-17 figure is down 0.4 per cent and it fell by 2.8 per cent in 2013-14 – but the remaining increases, including 14.4 per cent in 2015-16, have led to a 19.9 per cent total budget hike since 2012-13.
At the same time, the SNP said the real terms Scottish Government budget had decreased by 1.9 per cent over five years.
Ferrier said: “With more powers transferring, as David Mundell so enjoys telling us, it would be interesting to hear his explanation for why his department requires such an enormous increase in its budget.”
The UK Government said the Scotland Office had ensured the passage of the Scotland Act.
A spokeswoman added: “It is right we are resourced for the challenges in 2017 as we continue to deliver the remaining powers and make sure we get the best deal for Scotland and the UK as we leave the EU.”