Scottish Labour Leader Iain Gray has called on Alex Salmond to explain the whereabouts of £34 million of funding intended to help disabled children after reports reveal that Scottish charities are concerned that it has disappeared into Council coffers.

The Scottish Government received £34 million through Barnett consequential funding following a £340 million investment from the prev ious Labour UK Government in projects offering help to disabled children and their families.

However, reports in this week’s Scotland on Sunday reveal that it is likely that the SNP Government chose to channel the funds into general Council funds through the concordat rather than ensure it was earmarked for organisations working with disabled children.

Scottish Labour leader, Iain Gray MSP, said:

“Alex Salmond has some very serious questions to answer on this issue.

“This money was given in good faith by Labour at Westminster but has not been passed on to these families.  

“This £34 million pounds was meant to help disabled children and their families, but has been swiped by the SNP- he needs to say where it has gone. 

“This once again shows just how intent the SNP are on prioritising pet projects like an independence referendum over the interests of people who need support in Scotland.”

18 July 2010