Council summit on spending urged

The council was criticised by the Accounts Commission

Opposition groups on Aberdeen City Council are calling for an emergency meeting to discuss the recommendations of the Accounts Commission.

A highly-critical report from the spending watchdog said the council was facing "extremely serious challenges".

Labour, Conservative and Independent group leaders said they were prepared to unite with the Lib Dem/SNP administration to resolve the problems.

However, they insisted they should be given an "equal say".

The Accounts Commission public hearing, which led to the findings, followed concerns about best value and planning.

The council is currently pursuing a programme of cutbacks, which has led to weeks of public protests.

The commission said it was particularly concerned by the financial position, the organisational structure and the lack of effective leadership and direction in education and social work.

It also recommended the appointment of an independent financial expert to oversee savings.

The commissiion said all political parties should work together.

The opposition parties have called for a special meeting within the next two weeks.

Council leaders said they accepted the financial problems but blamed them on historical spending.