IT Programme Cost for Social Security Scotland: FOI release

Information requested

On the 3rd June 2023, the Daily Record Reported that the cost of Social Security Scotland's IT system has increased to an estimated £277.4m.

The record story states:

“The Record revealed in July the updated figure had increased to £251m, leading to criticism of the SNP-led Government. The latest figure, contained in February’s business case, now gives an estimate of £277.4m.

On the basis of this information, please provide the following information:

1. Given the estimate was £277.4 million in June, what is current estimated cost?

Please confirm while it is still the same estimated figure or if it has changed.

Please provide me with the exact estimate figure rather than referring me to fancy reports with big graphs and numbers that I can’t understand and struggle to read.

Response

The Programme Business Case published in February 2023 sets out the Financial Case for the delivery of Social Security which includes £277.4m Technology costs as part of Programme Implementation and there has been no further updates at this time.

Specifically, I would direct you to the Social Security Scotland Programme Business Case - February 2023 (www.gov.scot) , Section 5 (financial case), page 71, table 5.3.2 which sets out the total implementation costs for the Social Security Programme including actual and forecasted expenditure. It also lays out the current Programme timeline which is expected to run to the end of 2025.

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