Scottish probe into true cost of services

The Association of Directors of Social Work has commissioned a leading public finance specialist to research the true cost of providing children’s services in Scotland.

Arthur Midwinter, an independent adviser to the Scottish parliament’s finance committee, is to investigate whether Scottish executive funding has kept pace with demands on children’s services.

Incoming ADSW president David Crawford, who takes over the role from Colin Mackenzie at the association’s annual conference this week, said: “We believe there is a fundamental problem with children’s services and don’t think funding has kept up with demands and costs.”

Crawford is also director of social work at Renfrewshire Council.