Cost of the Scottish Government’s new National Care Service could double

Audit Scotland has confirmed that the Scottish Government’s estimated costs for a new National Care Service have been dramatically underestimated and could end up double the sum claimed.

The policy aims to bring social care under a government-run service like the NHS to set standards and 'end the postcode lottery' of access to decent services through newly established local care boards.

However critics say it is yet more centralisation.

But the spending watchdog voiced concerns after the government claimed it could cost up to £500 million to deliver.

It estimates that the cost over five years ranges from £664 million to £1.2 billion.

Audit Scotland has underlined issues with pensions, VAT changes, capital investment and health board transition costs which could see the final total increase further.

It said: “The potential for additional cost is significant and taken together it is likely that the overall cost of the measures will be significantly above the amounts currently assessed.”

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