Social Security Programme business case data: FOI release

Information requested

Please note the following FOI request relates to Social Security.

In February 2023, a Social Security Business Case was published which stated, ‘In this updated Business Case, total forecast implementation costs across the Programme and Social Security Scotland are currently estimated at £715 million’

Based on this claim made in the business case, I am requesting the following information:

1. The current (up to date) total forecast implementation costs across the Programme and Social Security Scotland.

2. The number of times the estimated total costs figure has changed since February 2023 until present.

Please also reveal if each instance of the figure changing was an increase or decrease from the February 2023 figure. 

3. Confirmation of what are currently the three largest costs of the Social Security Programme. 

Please state what the costs are and what they relate to.

4. Confirmation of what are currently the three largest costs of Social Security Scotland.

Please state what the specific costs are and what they relate to.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested in the format you asked for.

Question One & Two

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not hold the information you have requested. The Social Security Programme Business Case published in February 2023 sets out the latest forecast. You can find this here: Social Security Scotland Programme Business Case - February 2023 A report will be published when the Programme is completed, which will include an update on total implementation costs.

Question Three

As set out in the February 2023 Program Business Case, the three largest costs for the Social Security Programme are: staff; technology costs; and costs to support benefit delivery.

Question Four

The information for question four you have requested is available from Social Security Scotland’s 2025-26 budget paper which is published on its website, at: Social Security Scotland This publication includes the three largest costs of Social Security Scotland are: benefits expenditure, staff costs, and information technology.

Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably  accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website listed above, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy. This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.