Government knew about plan to slash funding for addict help

Yousaf and Robison claimed cut was down to council.. now emails suggest otherwise

- PAUL HUTCHEON

SNP ministers have been accused of complicity in the demise of a groundbreaking project helping female drug users.

Documents show the government was in the loop on funding plans which led to the closure of Turning Point 218 during a drugs death crisis.

But government figures, including the First Minister, then claimed the decision was made "locally" in Glasgow.

Labour MSP Monica Lennon said: "Slashing the funding for the 218 service, a Glasgow-based team that has been supporting traumatised women for 20 years, will have tragic consequences.

"It is a disgrace and people have a right to know the truth about the decisions behind this."

Trade union Unite, which represents the staff, said it is "crystal clear" the government was central to the decisionmaking process.

Turning Point 218 opened 20 years ago and was praised for the services offered to female offenders, including vulnerable women addicted to drugs. Funding came from the government and the Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (GCHSCP), formed of the local authority and health board.