STUC withdraw support for SNP takeover of care services

Responding to the news that the STUC has withdrawn support for the Scottish Government's proposed centralisation of care services, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

"For too long an attitude of "SNP ministers know best" has blighted the management of public services.

"This legislation has been exposed as completely unfit for purpose. It does nothing to ease pressures on care staff and services. Instead it would wrench away control of services from communities.

"People want local control and influence over the social care services they rely on. They don't want decisions about care in the Highlands and Islands, taken by a distant minister in Edinburgh.

"Pretty soon Maree Todd and John Swinney will be the only people still backing this bill.

"My party has been clear from the beginning that the money earmarked for this ministerial takeover should be being invested in improving conditions for staff and enhancing services instead."