Making use of a massive volunteer army...
THE Scottish Government’s close ties with the charity sector allow SNP policies and initiatives to take root.
Effectively incorporating charities into the state network allows ministers to make indirect use of an additional workforce numbering tens of thousands, many of whom are no more than enthusiastic volunteers.
However, the taxpayer is already supporting an army of civil servants to do the job of government. At the last count, there were 11,700 people employed by core directorates and agencies.
Trumpeting the achievements and policies of SNP ministers comes with an annual price tag of £10million.
The Government employs 3.5 full-time equivalent press officers – earning £1,037,791 a year – who issue 2,000 press releases a year about its activities. In addition, there are 12 special ministerial advisers who do not have to abide by the strict rule of civil service impartiality yet have their remuneration entirely picked up by the public. Last year, the dozen advisers cost the taxpayer £895,135.
The Government also spends millions of pounds every year on advertising campaigns about subjects from healthy eating to energy conservation and hate crime. During 2013-1 – the latest available figures – the total outlay for these campaigns amounted to £8,302,885.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Organisations are not paid to promote the Government’s work, they are given grants to fulfil the objectives of the Scottish Government across a broad range of areas.’