Discredited Health & Social Care Convener Paul Edie has been challenged on the failures of the LibDem/SNP Administration’s homelessness strategy.

Councillor Edie, who is under similar pressure over the lib Dem/SNP Administration’s disastrous Social Care Tender, avoided answering questions on recent problems with homeless services caused by organisations having insufficient funds to carry to services given that they have bid too low to meet the requirements of tenders. 

After questioning the Convener, Councillor Ewan Aitken said:  “I am extremely disappointed by the Convener’s response, just as in the social care tender Cllr Edie is presiding over a homelessness strategy which is letting people down.”

“I’ve been made aware of a number of problems, happening night after night, and it is clear to me that homeless people are suffering.  There is clear evidence that scores of rough sleepers are receiving no support, with reductions in night accommodation services and serious weaknesses in future planning.  

“Filling church halls is not a solution, it is a stop-gap measure, covering the failings of a half-baked strategy.  Vulnerable people are being put at risk due to the complacency of this Lib Dem/SNP Administration. 

“Cllr Edie must recognise this, and show some leadership.  However his failures on this matter and on the social care tender make me, and many others question if he has the ability to carry on in this role. If he is unable to honestly assess the problems, then he cannot be part of the solution.”