For too long the social security system followed a one size fits all approach.
It made sense for the Scottish Parliament to be given control of some benefits while also being able to introduce new payments. SNP ministers believed the reformed system would allow them to better tackle historic issues like child poverty.
Positive steps have been made like introducing the new child payment. But much bigger problems with the system cannot be ignored.
Today’s Record reveals the estimated cost of installing vital IT for Social Security Scotland has soared by £39million to an estimated £251million. The final bill could be even higher. Devolving benefits was always going to be a hugely complicated task but such cost overruns are unacceptable.
Especially at a time the government is already considering freezing budgets for many public services over the next four years. Money which could have been spent on helping the least well-off in society is now being eaten up by a project that has been almost a decade in the making.
All investment for developing the new social security system is funded from within the Government’s Housing and Social Justice portfolio. And yet the Scottish Government boasts the delivery of the new benefits has been remarkable given the challenges posed by the pandemic.
It’s a hollow boast when public services are stretched, the cost of living is soaring, and £39million of taxpayers’ cash is being spent on a never-ending IT bill. The government must get a grip on costs.
Springsteen tickets rip-off
BRUCE Springsteen is one of the biggest music acts on the planet and has thousands of fans in Scotland.
His stadiums gigs here are always packed out.
Many yesterday would have been online first thing trying to get precious tickets for what is sure to be one of the music events of next year. What a pity then that some fans were left feeling ripped off at something called a “dynamic pricing” model.
Essentially, the prices went up to reflect demand. Tickets originally priced at an already hefty £155 rocketed to £400. The practice of bumping up prices because of the popularity of an act is unacceptable.
The loyalty of fans and their desire to see their favourite act is being exploited. Promoters should rethink the policy and until they do, concert-goers should keep their hard-earned cash in their pockets.
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