A Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) from the Scottish National Party (SNP) has advocated for improved training for civil servants following a series of financial errors in recent months. The proposed legislation has faced criticism for inaccurately estimating costs, including for the National Care Service plans.
The Finance Committee at the Holyrood has expressed concerns regarding the quality of information provided in financial memorandums (FMs), which outline the costs of implementing proposed changes in legislation. SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson, who also serves as the committee convener, has written to the Parliamentary Business Minister to request “enhanced training and development for Bill teams to improve the quality and consistency of future FMs.”
The inadequate cost estimates could potentially leave the government vulnerable to significantly increased expenses for projects, particularly in a challenging financial climate. The concerns also extend to other new laws, with apprehensions about the “lack of financial credibility and transparency” in certain bills, such as the Circular Economy Bill.
The Finance Committee has highlighted the “absence of cost estimates for all provisions in a Bill” and has criticized “unrealistic” estimates of costs and savings, as well as a “lack of sufficient consultation” regarding the accuracy of the cost estimates. They have also raised concerns about the use of lower projections in costings despite the availability of both lower and higher estimates, as well as the oversight of inflation not being factored in.
It has been proposed that enhanced training and development for Bill teams should be implemented, with a focus on adhering to the Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM) guidance when preparing FMs. The objective is to ensure improved quality and consistency in presenting future FMs.
The Scottish Government has responded by stating that ministers are obligated to provide estimates of the costs, savings, and changes to revenues brought about by any Bill they introduce, as per the Parliament’s Standing Orders. They have also assured that the specific issues raised by the Finance and Public Administration Committee will be addressed in due time.
The call for enhanced training for civil servants comes at a time when there is an increasing emphasis on the necessity for accuracy and transparency in financial matters within the Scottish Government. The push for improved training reflects a commitment to upholding high standards and best practices in financial management and legislation.
It is evident that there is a shared responsibility among MSPs and civil servants to ensure that proposed laws are accompanied by accurate and comprehensive financial information. The significance of this issue cannot be overstated, as it directly affects the government’s financial liabilities and the overall credibility and transparency of legislation.
As discussions and deliberations continue in the Scottish Parliament, the need for enhanced training for civil servants and the focus on improving the quality of financial information will be pivotal in shaping the future legislative landscape in Scotland.