Council’s social work scrutiny costs criticised

Moray Council is devoting too many resources to comply with the demands of Scottish Government inspectors, it was claimed yesterday.

Keith independent councillor Stewart Cree said the money used to prepare for council service inspections would be better spent on public services.

Mr Cree spoke out after it emerged the government had changed the scrutiny process for social work services.

The authority’s community services manager, Jane Mackie, yesterday confirmed that the new style of social work inspections would require the same amount of resources as assessments of previous years.

Mrs Mackie told members of the health and social care services committee that her team would have to collate documents to send to inspectors in November or December this year.

Mrs Mackie said while it was difficult to compare the new process with previous years, “probably about the same” amount of staff and resources would be devoted this time around.

“The follow-through visits could be reduced but if we get graded weak there could be an indeterminate level,” she added.

Mr Cree last night insisted that the government lessen the inspection burden on local authorities.

He added: “The council uses far more resources than most folk would ever imagine in providing information to inspectors. I’m all for making sure the council is performing well and carrying out its business properly but we shouldn’t be expected to spend money on more and more inspections. That money could be spent far more productively on services.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said it was wrong to suggest that needless inspections were being carried out.

He added: “The wellbeing of those who need our social work services is always paramount. We are creating a new body, joining up services and reducing bureaucracy, that will mean the overall burden of scrutiny will reduce. Scrutiny of services will be more risk-based and proportionate. Well-performing services can expect to receive fewer inspections, while those performing less well will receive more attention.”