Commenting on the COSLA warning that transferring social care from councils into the NHS could cost more than £300 million, Liberal Democrat Finance spokesperson Jeremy Purvis said:

“In stark contrast to the SNP and Labour, Liberal Democrats are determined to keep decision making for social work local.

“COSLA’s warning of the £300 million cost absolutely confirms the Lib Dem argument that centralisation is not only bad for delivering local services, but can costs hundreds of millions of pounds.

“This will mean fewer social workers and poorer care in our communities. The last thing that our already overstretched social work departments need is a massively expensive centralisation agenda.”

Ends.