Support service shake-up dropped

CITY chiefs have climbed down again over plans to shake up the care of some of the Capital's most vulnerable residents.

The council had already dropped its plans to re-tender the care of nearly 800 people after an independent report found the tender process was "not as meticulous" as it should have been.

However, officials had proposed to set a short-term rate of 15.04 for "direct payments", where the council gives people money to employ their own carer.

Care groups had fought against the rates because they said it cost a lot more to treat people with complex needs.

The Liberal Democrat/SNP administration has now dropped the plans and agreed to carry out a full consultation with user groups on what happens next.

Ian Hood, co-ordinator of the Learning Disability Alliance Scotland, said: "We are very pleased with the outcome as it seems like a very sensible way forward."