John Swinney has been accused of effectively decriminalising benefit fraud, as new figures showed that just three people have been convicted for cheating the system since 2022.
At First Minister’s Questions, Russell Findlay described the number as “unbelievable”, given that almost one million Scots claim benefits.
The Scottish Conservative leader said it was symptomatic of an SNP welfare system that is “completely and utterly broken”.
Findlay also cited the case of Sally Donald, who was forced to quit as an SNP candidate this week amid an investigation into her Adult Disability Payment claims.
He added that the Scottish Conservatives have plans to cut fraud and reduce the “unaffordable and unfair” benefits bill, which is currently £7billion per year and rising.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “Today, we can reveal that under the SNP’s new benefits system, just three people have been convicted for fraud-related offences since 2022.
“Three people – out of almost one million people claiming benefits in Scotland. Unbelievable.
“John Swinney’s SNP has effectively decriminalised benefit fraud in Scotland.
“The party of ‘gravy bus’ grifters and campervan capers.
“They mug their own members, they rob the taxpayers of Scotland and they’ve built a benefits system that shouts: ‘Free money here’.
“It’s a charter for chancers.
“Every other party backs the SNP’s out-of-control benefits spending.
“But the Scottish Conservatives will keep telling the truth – it’s unaffordable, unfair and unsustainable. We’ve set out a sensible plan to tackle fraud and reduce the £7billion-and-rising benefits bill.
“John Swinney can posture all he wants, but his benefits system is completely and utterly broken.”
Notes to editors
Just three convictions for fraud-related offences have been recorded under the SNP’s benefits system. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service was asked how many people had been convicted of fraud-related offences under sections 71 and 72 of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 introduced by the SNP Government. They confirmed just three people had been convicted of such offences since 2022-23 (COPFS FOI, 13 February 2025, Attached).
The Scottish Conservatives would introduce a new assessment process for anyone wishing to claim ADP due to a mental health disorder. Currently, applicants are not even required to have a diagnosis for their condition. Our new assessment process would make a formal diagnosis from a medical professional a requirement if someone is seeking to claim Adult Disability Payment for their mental health condition. Our new assessment would also include a section that requires applicants to provide evidence of the type of the unavoidable costs they have to face due to their mental health condition. (A fairer benefits system for Scotland, January 2026, link).