BIBBY ATTACKS SWINNEY OVER HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE CUTS

Labour MSP Neil Bibby has expressed his disappointment that First Minister John Swinney has refused to intervene to ensure that vital social services remain open in Renfrewshire.

The First Minister turned down Mr Bibby’s plea for help by letter, the West of Scotland MSP’s second after raising the issue directly in the Scottish Parliament with John Swinney in September. 

The Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership is being forced to cut costs following a multi-million black hole in its funding estimated to be £20 million.

As a result they are threatening the future of vital resources such as the Disability Resource Centre and the Mirin Day Centre but could not reach a decision at the last Integrated Joint Board meeting, leaving service users with huge uncertainty.

Mr Bibby said: “When we need his help the First Minister lets us down.

“I, and all the brave campaigners who need these services kept open, will be deeply disappointed.

“I had hoped that raising the campaign at Holyrood would lead to action but instead John Swinney has washed his hands of their plight.

“He talks of record investment in social services in Scotland. Well since he got record investment from the UK Labour government he should be able to come up with record investment to protect vital local services.

“But instead, despite the cash boost John Swinney got, our most vulnerable neighbours face the pain of potentially savage cuts to the services they rely on.

“The message from Bute House to the people in Renfrewshire in need is we are on our own.

“It’s not good enough for our vulnerable neighbours to be left in limbo like this and I will continue to apply all the pressure I can to reach positive conclusions soon.”

“The message from local Labour councillors and I – is we stand with you and will do everything we can to protect these vital services.”