500 vulnerable adults force council to halt care changes

This allows them the freedom to choose their own carers – rather than accept new care providers chosen by the council.

Edinburgh councillors are now being advised that the numbers of people opting out has made it impossible for them to go ahead with their proposals, which would have cut 21 per cent of the budget, saving 1.8 million a year.

Ian Hood, co-ordinator of the Learning Disability Alliance Scotland, said: "Edinburgh council needs to learn that it cannot treat people with disabilities in the same way they treat paper clips or potholes. It must review the process that it has used to ensure that this never happens again."

A chief executive's report will advise members of a finance committee to be held on Thursday that more than 80 per cent of those affected have applied to manage their own care. A report states: "The level of applications received is far greater than expected and seriously undermines the viability of awarding contracts."

The report proposes that savings be made to the social care budget by setting the level of direct payments at a flat rate 15.04 an hour.

Tom Aitchison, the council's chief executive, said: "These measures will ensure service continuity for clients and take us a significant step forward in terms of demonstrating best value. Officials will prepare a full commissioning strategy for these important services for consideration by the council in the summer.

"By that time, the majority of direct payment applications will have been processed, and we also expect the Scottish Government will have issued guidance on the procurement of these services."

Council leader Jenny Dawe said: "It is quite clear that the current charging arrangements do not represent best value. Some providers are charging twice the rate of others for the same, or very similar, services. If we can achieve the required savings by negotiation, then I believe existing service users will feel reassured.

"I am disappointed that the tender evaluation process appears to have been less than perfect, and I will be instructing the chief executive to bring forward a full 'lessons learnt' report."

Service user James Campsie, who was one of those supporting the campaign, said: "This is fantastic news and I feel delighted. I like my current provider, and now hope I can stay with them."

But Lesley Clemenson, whose son has learning difficulties, said: "This process has had a devastating effect on individuals. My son has had a terrible time in the last couple of months. I hold Paul Edie, convener of the health and social care committee, responsible, and heads should roll for this mess."

Campaigners for the Learning Disability Alliance Scotland said in some cases the level of direct payment set by the council would not be adequate.

Mr Hood said: "We intend to support individuals to challenge through the courts any attempt to reduce their direct payments without taking into account their individual needs."