Anger as Scots councils run up 'colossal' £45m taxi fare



OF the 32 local authorities quizzed, 20 admitted they had spent £45,327,262 between them over the past two years. Twelve councils refused to divulge any information.

SCOTTISH councils have splashed out more than £45million on taxi fares in the last two years.

Of the 32 local authorities quizzed, 20 admitted they had spent £45,327,262 between them over the past two years.

But the true cost to the taxpayer could be much higher – because 12 councils refused to divulge any information.

Seven said accessing the data would cost too much and five simply failed to respond to inquiries.

Cabs were used to take children to and from school and for a range of other council services.

Tory local government spokesman Margaret Mitchell said: “This is a colossal figure considering only 20 out of the 32 authorities provided figures.

“There has to be a much more cost-effective method of transport for councils.”

Matthew Elliott of the Taxpayers’ Alliance said: “This is an incredible amount to be spent on taxis at a time when local authorities have to do more to save money.”

Labour learning spokesman Neil Findlay said: “Taxis are often needed to transport pupils with special needs to and from school.”

But he added: “The Scottish Government should look seriously at how much it is costing.”

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scott ... re-1312487

When you consider the rural nature of much of Scotland, I'd say it's not much of a surprise.

Anger as Scots councils run up 'colossal' £45m taxi fare

Why are we complaining. This is money in our pockets.

We should be encouraging them to spend more!