A local authority is pulling out of an out-of-hours social work service led by a neighbouring council, deeming it poor value for money after inspectors warned it must improve.

South Lanarkshire Council has given notice it will withdraw from the West of Scotland standby service and provide its own emergency cover.

Glasgow City Council operates the standby service and last year was told by the Social Work Inspection Agency the service had serious limitations.

Most local authorities work in partnership to provide out of hours care.

The Glasgow-led West of Scotland service covers 13 councils, Edinburgh delivers a service for the three other Lothian councils, Dundee leads for Perth and Kinross and Angus, while Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire also work together.

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