Police overtime bill tops £350 million since centralisation  

Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Yi-pei Chou Turvey has said that officers and staff are facing “a mountain of pressure,” as she revealed that police overtime payments have topped £350 million since the SNP centralised the service.

Figures obtained by the Scottish Liberal Democrats through a freedom of information request show that:

• Since 2013, Police Scotland have paid out £358,335,531 in overtime payments to officers and staff.
• In the first six months of 2025/26 alone, Police Scotland have already paid out more than £26 million in overtime.

Yi-pei Chou Turvey said:  

“After promising that their centralisation would bring big cost savings, the SNP have delivered the total opposite: hundreds of millions shelled out in overtime payments, declining officer numbers and police counters closing.

“Events like Donald Trump's visit will play a part in this staggering bill, but it nonetheless reflects the mountain of pressures facing officers and staff.

“We should not be asking those who keep our streets and communities safe to work beyond their limits. That will only increase the chances of those who remain heading for the door, hollowing out the service even further. It also means officers trying to protect the public while at their wits’ end.

“I will be using my position in this new parliament to urge the Scottish Government to step up support for officers. That starts by properly resourcing our justice system and making sure the neds of Scottish policing are finally met.”