Care services e-auction 'morally repugnant'

Published on Wednesday 3 June 2009 20:55

THE use of internet auctions to determine who provides some care services was branded "morally repugnant" yesterday.

MSPs on Holyrood's Local Government and Communities Committee criticised the practice, which has been used by two councils in Scotland.

South Lanarkshire Council and Edinburgh city council have previously used e-auctions in tendering for care services.

But Annie Logan, the head of Community Care Providers Scotland, which represents many voluntary sector organisations that care for elderly and vulnerable people, said the purpose of such online auctions was to undercut competitors.

She told the committee:

"What happens with the e-auction process is you bid further down. The whole idea is to reduce the price.

"One of our members did participate in the process and it's fair to say they found that quite an extraordinary process, particularly in the context of social care."

Convener Duncan McNeil said: "This is morally repugnant. Care services should not be traded like cheap jewellery."

Ms Logan agreed, stating: "That would certainly be my view."