MP Threatens To Sue Aberdeen City Council Over Cutbacks

A HARD-UP council could be sued for axeing key services for disabled people. Aberdeen City Council’s £27million budget cuts will see funding withdrawn from social work and care organisations.

Now Aberdeen North MP Frank Doran has accused the council of failing in their statutory responsibilities.

He has written to chief executive Douglas Paterson warning that authorities are bound by law whenmaking decisions affecting disabled people.

They have a duty to consult service users and to prepare and consider an impact assessment on decisions that affect them.

Yesterday, Doran said: “The council have failed to meet their legal obligations to disabled people in Aberdeen.

“I have been asked by my constituents to write to Aberdeen City Council and point out the breaches in the law.

“Legal proceedings will be commenced against the council for judicial review and possible interdict to prevent the cuts being implemented.

“I am also reporting the matter to the Scottish Executive who have the power to instruct a public inquiry where a local authority has failed in its duties to the disabled.

“There is a great deal of anger at the way the council have acted.

“Many of the people affected are deeply upset and distressed at the way they have been treated.

“This is a vulnerable group. Many depend on services from the council to give them a reasonable quality of life and support in dealing with their disability.”