More than £120m on benefit appeals

The UK government spent more than £120 million on benefit and child support claimant appeal tribunals last year, sparking accusations the welfare system is “not fit for purpose”.

Figures obtained by the SNP through FOI laws show the government spent £121.5m on social security and child support tribunals in 2017-18 – up 15 per cent on the previous year.

A government spokeswoman said more would be done to gather evidence “to make sure that we make the right decision earlier”.