A Scottish Parliament committee has launched an inquiry into the number of commissioners the country employs.

The officials – which currently include the Information Commissioner and the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life – are appointed by the Scottish Parliament to cover certain areas.

The number is due to rise to eight when the Patient Safety Commissioner is appointed and begins work following the passage of a Bill in September.

According to the 2023-24 budget, the officeholders cost £16.6 million, with proposals in the works from Government and backbench MSPs which could see up to six more positions – including for victims and witnesses, older people and those with a disability – created.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Health Matters