Scottish Health Secretary Michael Matheson is currently under investigation by Holyrood authorities over allegations of excessive data roaming charges. The issue arose after it was discovered that Matheson had racked up a considerable bill while on an official trip abroad. Health Secretary Michael Matheson roaming

The Health Secretary’s travel expenses have been called into question, with particular attention being paid to the high data roaming charges incurred during his visit to Morocco. The charges, which are significantly higher than what is typically expected for such a trip, have raised eyebrows and led to a formal investigation by the Scottish Parliament.

Matheson, who is a member of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has faced criticism from opposition parties who have questioned the necessity of the incurred charges. They argue that such expenses should be kept to a minimum, especially in light of the current economic climate.

Matheson Defends £10,935.74 Data Charges; Agrees to Contribute £3,000 Health Secretary Michael Matheson roaming

However, Matheson has defended his actions, stating that the charges were unavoidable due to the nature of his work during the trip. He explained that it was necessary for him to stay connected and up-to-date with developments back home in Scotland, hence the high data usage.

Earlier, a Holyrood spokesman said the iPad was using the Parliament’s “previous mobile provider and hadn’t yet switched to our present contract”, leading to “significant data fees”.

“The Parliament challenged the company over the scale of the data fees, which totaled £10,935.74 – and over the late warning to the rising cost, but the company declined to meet or waive any of the charges,” he added.

“On the basis that the member has assured the Parliament that these costs were incurred in relation to parliamentary business and not for personal or Government use, we agreed that Mr Matheson would contribute £3,000 from his office cost provision and the remainder would be paid centrally by the Parliament.”

The Holyrood authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. They are scrutinizing the details of Matheson’s Morocco trip and the subsequent data charges to determine whether they were justified. The outcome of this investigation could have serious implications for Matheson and his position as Health Secretary.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public office. It highlights the need for officials to be mindful of their spending, particularly when it comes to taxpayer money.

As the investigation continues, the Scottish public will be eagerly waiting for the final verdict. Will Matheson be able to justify his high data roaming charges, or will he face consequences for his actions?

UPDATE: Scottish Health Secretary Michael Matheson has said that he will pay his nearly £11,000 bill he racked up for data roaming charges. He was initially going to pay £3,000 from his expenses budget, and the rest would be paid for by the Scottish Parliament. But he has now vowed to pay the full fee. It comes after Labour urged him to “do the right thing” and pay the bill. Matheson said he was repaying the bill after his “integrity” and the “reputation” of the Scottish Parliament had been questioned.