THE SNP have demanded an explanation from the Scotland Office after it was revealed “spin doctor spending” has risen to almost £1 million.
Figures released via freedom of information (FOI) requests and parliamentary questions show the Scotland Office spent £819,640 of taxpayers’ money on communications in 2018-19 – a 15% increase on last year.
The outlay on communication has risen from £108,439 in 2010/11, meaning the latest figures represent a 655% increase since the Tories came to power.
The SNP slammed the “zombie department” for the spending increase, which they say had no discernible benefit for the taxpayer.
SNP MP Deidre Brock’s parliamentary questions helped lead to the figures being released. She said the public “deserve answers”, especially considering continued welfare cuts.
“The UK Government must urgently explain why Scotland Office expenditure keeps going up when its responsibilities are in terminal decline,” Brock commented.
“Taxpayers deserve answers as to why there has been such an astronomical and indefensible increase in their hard-earned cash being frittered away on Tory propaganda campaign by a zombie department.
“Shockingly, this huge increase in spin doctor spending has come at the same time the Tory government imposed cuts on Scotland’s budget, despite the Scotland Office being completely ineffective at advocating Scotland’s opposition to Tory Brexit plans, harmful austerity cuts, power grabs and position on issues such as immigration.
The SNP MP added: “Westminster has consistently failed Scotland – it is no wonder that the case for independence is stronger than ever. Becoming an independent European country is the only way to properly protect Scotland’s interests.”
In response to the FOI, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said his office is “resourced to enable effective engagement and communication with the public and organisations across Scotland”. He added: “These responsibilities have increased as the UK prepares to leave the EU.”
The SNP had called for an urgent review of Scotland Office finances in July after it emerged David Mundell had spent a total of £56,521 on overseas travel since taking office in May 2015. The figure represented a near 50% rise on the £31,087 spent by his two of his predecessors between May 2010 and May 2015.
A UK Government spokesperson said: “The Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland represents Scottish interests at the heart of Whitehall and promotes the work of the UK Government in Scotland. An important part of the Office’s role is to explain UK Government policies to people across the country – the Scottish Government does exactly the same thing. That includes using social media which provides value for money in informing Scottish citizens on issues which matter to them.”
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