The leader of Dundee City Council’s administration has hit out at the opposition Labour group for raising issues in the press, rather than directly communicating with him.
The SNP’s John Alexander has responded to criticism from Labour leader Kevin Keenan, who raised concerns about an upcoming report detailing a £4 million overspend on this year’s budget.
Councillor Alexander said he had made a commitment since the election to work closely with opposition members, but Bailie Keenan had “criticised the administration but has not written to me, nor sought to work with the administration to address any of his concerns”.
Mr Keenan had raised concerns about a predicted overspend of £4.182 million, £3.5 million of which is being racked up by the childrens and families services.
The children and families services overspent by £5.5 million in the financial year 2016/17.
Councillors will hear from a report this coming Monday at a meeting of the policy and resources committee.
Mr Alexander said: “It is disappointing that rather than trying to discuss this with me or my administration, Mr Keenan’s first port of call is the press.
“If he is genuinely interested in working with us and resolving any budgetary considerations, I would suggest he picks up the phone — he has failed to do so a single time over the past three months.
“Labour know the bulk of the projected overspend stems from our children and families service, particularly around vulnerable children who need support and accommodation. This is not predictable spend and we are led by the needs as and when they arise.”