Government wasting taxpayers’ money on DEI, Tories claim as total hits £20m

The Scottish Government have been accused of “wasting taxpayers’ money” on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) roles and training as it emerged almost £20m has been spent in five years.

Figures released to the party through freedom of information legislation found £19.98m has been spent between 2019-20 and 2024-25 in the NHS, councils, universities, the justice system and by the Scottish Government itself.

DEI practices – which aim to increase representation of marginalised groups and reduce discrimination – have been under attack across the world in recent years, fuelled by the opposition of politicians like US President Donald Trump.

Spending increased from £2.1m to £3.7m over that period, peaking at £4.3m in 2023-24.

The NHS spent the most, with the bill coming to £8.9m in total.

The total spend, however, is likely to be higher, due to a number of bodies not responding to the information request.

Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton accused the Government of “prioritising ideological projects” over the issues Scots most care about.

“Hard-pressed Scots will be outraged that the SNP have squandered millions on woke DEI training and roles, when they are making savage cuts to vital public services,” she said.

“This is yet another example of the SNP prioritising ideological projects over the issues that people actually care about.

“It’s difficult to justify this level of spending when the NHS remains in permanent crisis mode, educational standards are plummeting, and Scotland continues to have the highest drug death rate in Europe.

“It’s no wonder Scots are fed up with left-wing politicians at Holyrood. They’re wasting taxpayers’ money like it’s going out of fashion.

“Only the Scottish Conservatives, with Russell Findlay at the helm, are committed to taking a claymore to this culture of waste and championing common-sense policies that put people’s priorities first.”

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.

Since Mr Findlay took over as the leader of the Scottish Tories last year, the party has shifted to include a more populist tone – as he pushes for “common sense” policies in Scotland – as it seeks to ward off the threat of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK before next year’s Holyrood elections.