HOLYROOD has vetoed hiring any new statutory commissioners until a “root-and-branch review” of the role is carried out.

The decision follows a finance and public administration committee report from September, which found the growing system of bodies — including the Standards Commission for Scotland, Scottish Information Commissioner, Scottish Public Services Ombudsman and Scottish Human Rights Commission — was not “fit for purpose.”

Moving the motion in the Scottish Parliament, committee chairman Kenny Gibson called for a “root-and-branch review.” 

Green MSP Maggie Chapman noted the number of commissioners had grown from just two in 2003 to seven in 2024 with another six commissioners under active consideration, while costs had rocketed from £1.3 million to £18.2m.

Moving an SNP Scottish government amendment backing the moratorium, but allowing new posts as part of existing Bills, Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee recognised a “need to bring structure to the commissioner landscape” and called on the review to be completed by June.

The amended motion was carried 92 votes to 24.