Dumfries and Galloway social work budget review sought

The head of Dumfries and Galloway Council has been asked to carry out a full review of social work spending.

The move comes amid concerns about how often the department has to reallocate its finances to keep its budget of more than £80m balanced.

SNP group leader Robert Higgins said that showed a fundamental flaw in how funding was being assigned.

He wants Chief Executive Gavin Stevenson to investigate the reasons behind the recurring problem.

Mr Higgins said: “I know it is demand-led but whether it is demand-led or not the council has an amount of money and that is all you can spend.

“So you have got to make sure it is spent wisely and accurately in the direction of greatest need.

“I think social work really needs a root-and-branch review of how it operates and how it manages its budget.”