Whether it agrees with the reported comments of Sheriff James Tierney that there are grounds for both public and judicial concern as to the…

Sheriff Tierney''s comments arose from the circumstances of a specific community service order for which Aberdeen City Council was responsible. In addition to the particular circumstances of this case, the authority has encountered a number of operational difficulties in recent months arising from staffing shortages. We understand that additional staff have now been recruited and that a reduction in waiting times is anticipated.
We remain committed to the development of community penalties. That is why earlier this year revised guidance was issued for the management of community service schemes and performance by local authorities against the new guidance will be monitored. We have also allocated an additional £5.5 million over the current and next financial years, specifically to allow improvement in the delivery of community service and in preparation for the introduction of Community Payback Orders.