Glossy Executive leaflets bill hits £6.8m

THE cost of glossy leaflets and consultation documents published by the Scottish Executive has reached a record £1.5 million a year.

And the total bill for publications since the Executive was set up in 1999 now comes to 6,890,264 for 947 documents.

The figures were revealed in a written parliamentary answer to SNP MSP Christine Grahame, who labelled them obscene.

She said: "The bill run up by Scottish ministers in just a few years on glossy leaflets is the same as the exclusive Beverley Hills mansion recently sold by Hollywood star Jennifer Lopez.

"This is an obscene amount of money to be spending at a time when service provision across the public sector is being stripped back, where wages are being pegged and honest working men and women are ultimately left to pick up the bill."

According to the parliamentary answer from Finance Minister Tom McCabe, the annual bill for publications was 1,201,371 in 1999-2000, dipped to 781,333 in 2000-01, climbed again to 864,764 in 2001-02, reaching 1,320,342 in 2002-03 and 1,494,496 in 2004-05.

The documents involved ranged from an eight-page consultation document on parental involvement which cost 41,924 to an 8000 document covering investment in water environment legislation.

There was also the national planning framework (40,936), the children's hearing review phase one (22,742), a through-care and aftercare training pack (29,060), the crofting reform draft Bill (32,679) and an overview of learners' funding (52,712).

The number of publications has soared from 98 a year to 267 since the Executive was established.

"I would really like to know who is actually reading this stuff," said Ms Grahame.

"Much of the material produced by ministers is so sterile and ambiguous that it's difficult to see if there is any quality information being communicated at all."

An Executive spokesman defended the number of publications and insisted they were good value. He said: "The increase in the number of publications represents better value for money, not less.

We are always prudent with the public purse. Value for money is the watchword."

He added the Executive was currently considering how it could make its handling of publications even more cost-effective.

But Tory MSP Ted Brocklebank said: "What matters about these publications is what happens between the glossy covers. It seems ridiculous such vast amounts are spent on making them look attractive.

"Everywhere you look, the cost of this parliament seems to go up and up. We have to draw a line and say is this really necessary?"

SOME OF THE EXECUTIVE'S PRICEY PUBLICATIONS

Choosing a school booklet - 15,792

Children and young people mental health - 16,392

NHS knowledge and skills framework - 18,812

Happy, safe and achieving their potential - 21,181

Review of marches and parades report - 59,718

Financial services strategy - 11,179

Bullying school pack - 17,543

Land management contract scheme - 17,071

Fresh Talent employers toolkit - 13,860

Crofting reform draft Bill - 32,679