Dumfries and Galloway social care spending outlined

The council had been criticised for the lack of progress made in using the funding

A spending plan has been laid out for nearly £2m earmarked to support the development of social care programmes in Dumfries and Galloway.

It follows criticism last month about the lack of progress being made in utilising the funding.

The region's social work department has £1.9m in a so-called "change fund".

Local government auditors criticised the lack of progress made in using the money but plans have now been prepared to spend the resources.

The fund was established almost a year-and-a-half ago using cash transferred from underspent NHS budgets.

The financial package is designed to support new ways of working, in recognition of a shift in the balance of care from the health sector to social services.

However, the lack of progress made to date in utilising the money available drew criticism from local government auditors last month.

The social services department said extensive preparatory work had been required, and proposals are now being tabled to allocate funding to support the delivery of the change programme over the next two years.

Members of Dumfries and Galloway Council's social work committee are being asked to approve the spending plan.