More staff and more demand, says Scottish report

Investment in Scottish social work has doubled in the past 10
years, said Scotland’s chief social work inspector last
month.

In his third annual report, Angus Skinner highlights a rapidly
expanding workforce and increasing demand for services.

Skinner said: “There has been considerable progress in
recruitment and retention during the last year but councils still
face considerable challenges in delivering modern, effective social
services.

The report shows continuing upward trends in the numbers of people
benefiting from services and in social work expenditure.
Expenditure has risen from just over £800 million in 1991-2 to
£1.8 billion in 2001-2. It also shows the problems caused by
the current shortage of social workers, particularly in
children’s services.

The report can be viewed at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/about/cs/unass/00015838/home.aspx