City social work 'not a disaster'

The troubleshooter is tackling council problems with social work

The man brought in to help Aberdeen City Council's social work department has said the situation is very difficult, but not a disaster.

Consultant Philip Cotterill said the service will be able to cut about �16m in spending over two years.

He also said he had found a way to make significant savings on the care of vulnerable children, which can cost up to �250,000 per year per child.

Mr Cotterill has been in post for two months and said progress is being made.

Aberdeen City Council is spending about �100,000 recruiting the troubleshooter to tackle problems with social work and care services.

Mr Cotterill, a local government expert from West Yorkshire, is expected to work part-time for six months.

The council said it had been instructed by Scottish ministers to bring in someone able to reform the services.

The cost of bringing Mr Cotterill to Aberdeen includes flights and accommodation.

Council leader Kate Dean said the appointment had been recommended by the social work inspection agency.

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