ETI-4 Response Accepted in Part AI-assessed

Inquiry Cost Transparency

Recommendation

When reporting public inquiry costs, Scottish Ministers should disclose net costs to the public purse, excluding previously-incurred accommodation and staffing expenses, alongside total departmental account costs.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the Scottish Government's statement on 2 November 2023, guidance similar to that suggested for reporting public inquiry costs was already in development. The Scottish Government published updated guidance titled 'Public inquiries: Guidance for Ministers and officials on whether an inquiry should be established' on 24 November 2025, which is likely to address cost transparency for inquiries.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.gov.scot, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Response
Accepted in Part
Accepted in Part Scottish Government
02 Nov 2023

The Scottish Government stated that guidance similar to that suggested is already in development. Source: Transport Secretary Statement, 2 November 2023.

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Progress Timeline
Official Report
02 Nov 2023

Initial status based on Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council responses to the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry Report (September 2023).

Source
Source
Inquiry Edinburgh Tram Inquiry
Report Edinburgh Tram Inquiry Report 01 Aug 2023
View Source
Responsible Bodies
Scottish Government Primary
Themes & Tags
Weak Government Accountability & Scrutiny Public project assurance methodology Public Inquiries Transparency Costs
Recommendation age 2.6 yrs
Last formal update 873 days ago