SNP spending on consultants doubles over five years, figures suggest

The Scottish Conservatives have said SNP spending on private consultants appears “out of control” after figures showed it had doubled over the last five years.

Data from a Freedom of Information response to the Scottish Tories showed that spending on such consultants increased from almost £21.3 million in 2018/19 to nearly £42.3m in 2022/23.

The figures show that £158.6 million had been spent on private consultants since 2018/19.

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said taxpayers would question whether it was value for money.

She said: “The SNP’s spending on private consultants looks to be out of control.

“If there’s a way to waste taxpayers’ money, the SNP will manage it.

“We know the SNP don’t get much right on their own, but the solution isn’t to throw more and more taxpayers’ money at highly-paid consultants.

“The public will rightly question if spending £160m on outside help is good value for taxpayers when that cash could have been used to improve public services or reduce taxes.

“Reckless use of taxpayers’ money is driving the disconnect between the public and politicians.

“It’s causing people to lose trust in politics and feel that the Scottish Parliament just doesn’t get it.

“We’re determined to do things differently and, going forward, we have committed to making sure that taxpayers’ money is always spent effectively and efficiently.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government may undertake procurement of consultants if in-house resources are unavailable, or if specialist skills are needed.

“All spend is carefully considered to ensure value for money for the people of Scotland.”