Date: 26 May 2009 BROCKLEBANK BLASTS FIFE COUNCIL OVER LARGE COST OF COMPENSATION PAY-OUTS Commenting on figures released by Fife Council which show that it has spent over £1.2 million in compensation pay-outs over the last two years, Ted Brocklebank, Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said;
“These figures show that Fife Council must improve its vigilance over the quality of services it provides as many of the incidents could surely have been avoided. Not only has Fife Council had to pay out nearly £700,000 in compensation, but it has also incurred over £500,000 in legal fees and other expenses. In one case the legal fees were ten times that of the compensation pay-out (Incident took place on 1/11/04 at the Fire Station in Carnegie Drive, Dunfermline, involving a bodily injury. It was settled on 3/4/08 with a £1500 compensation pay-out. The legal fees and other costs totalled £15,612.12). This is an unacceptable waste of taxpayer money. There is an urgent need for the SNP/LibDem administration to be more proactive in identifying and preventing potential incidents from taking place. This would see a large drop in compensation pay-outs, whilst improving services to the public.
“Fife Council’s ineffectiveness in preventing potential damages claims is best highlighted when compared with Perth and Kinross Council. Over the past two years Perth and Kinross Council has paid out less than £50,000 in compensation. This stresses the urgent need for Fife Council to take steps to reduce the number of incidents that result in compensation pay-outs.”
| 
