SNP MSP misleads Parliament....

In the Scottish Parliament on 29 March SNP MSP for the West of Scotland Region Stuart McMillan falsely and maliciously claimed that Labour-led Inverclyde Council was planning to cut the number of Council welfare rights workers. Mr McMillan should apologise for misleading Parliament over this matter and for the false accusation he has levelled at Councillors in the current Administration.


Over the past number of months officers within the Council and Health Board have been working with voluntary sector partners to review the provision of advice services in Inverclyde to identify areas of overlap and gaps in provision. The purpose if this review - which was supported by all groups in the Council, including the SNP - is to ensure that agencies use their combined resources more effectively for the benefit of local residents.


As part of the over all review there has been an ongoing internal review of services provided by the Council and Health Board through the Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership (CHCP). This internal review has not yet been reported to elected members and therefore no political decisions have been taken. 


As Leader of the Council and Chair of the Inverclyde Alliance Board I have sought - and received - assurances from the Director of Inverclyde CHCP, Robert Murphy, that no reductions are proposed in the level of staffing across his services.


Mr Murphy has stated:  “The proposed redesign will see no reduction in the number of permanent core service staff and the proposals which are still being developed will have no adverse effect on the quality or capacity of the service provided.  To be absolutely clear, the CHCP have not and will not be considering any proposals to reduce Welfare Rights Officers.  There is currently 15 core welfare advice staff and there will be at least 15 core welfare advice staff in the future.  It is regrettable that some of the reported misinformation has been unnecessarily alarmist.”

"At no time has there been any attempt to use the review to reduce the level of service. In fact the main reason behind the redesign was to ensure the service is fit for purpose in providing the best possible service required by those who use it. The outcome of the redesign has been generally acceptable to all concerned including the trade unions."

"Contrary to what has been reported, core services will be maintained at least at their current level and indeed staff positions are secure. A number of posts have been funded externally, which is always subject to review, and every effort has been made by the management team to continue these posts. Indeed we have been very grateful to McMillan Cancer who have been a strong supporter of the service within Inverclyde and we are working with them to ensure that they will be for years to come. I can confirm their investment will be supplemented by the CHCP to continue their excellent work."

"Perhaps most importantly, the redesign of service is still underway and no decisions have yet been made. This process will continue with the co-operation and involvement of all partners including the trade unions, to ensure the quality and excellent service provided in Inverclyde is maintained. The finalised proposals have not yet been discussed with Elected Members and when finalised they will be submitted for their consideration, scrutiny and approval.

"In addition to the above, the issues relating to the Welfare Reform Bill will also be progressed.  Inverclyde Council is not complacent about the possible impact of the Welfare Reform Bill. It is clear that the Council and the Alliance Board are aware of the issues and acknowledge the need for all agencies and partners to plan ahead. This will allow us to meet the challenge and to make the best possible use of the resources available, across the partnership."

I hope that Mr McMillan will be big enough now to apologise for misleading Parliament and for the unfounded accusation he has levelled as members of my Administration.