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Scottish independence: Aberdeen City Council vote letters 'did not break rules' Scottish independence: Aberdeen City Council vote letters 'did not break rules'
(about 1 hour later)
Claims that Aberdeen City Council's administration broke the rules by including a pro-Better Together letter to council tax payers have been thrown out by an independent watchdog.Claims that Aberdeen City Council's administration broke the rules by including a pro-Better Together letter to council tax payers have been thrown out by an independent watchdog.
Bills sent to every council tax payer in Aberdeen last month included a letter from the Labour-led authority's leader, Barney Crockett.Bills sent to every council tax payer in Aberdeen last month included a letter from the Labour-led authority's leader, Barney Crockett.
It said the city would be stronger now and in the future as part of the UK.It said the city would be stronger now and in the future as part of the UK.
Audit Scotland said the move was an accurate statement of council policy, Audit Scotland said the move was an accurate statement of council policy.
The letter-sending was referred to Audit Scotland by SNP MSP Mark McDonald.The letter-sending was referred to Audit Scotland by SNP MSP Mark McDonald.
He said the council acted outside the spirit, if not the letter, of the rules.He said the council acted outside the spirit, if not the letter, of the rules.
However, Audit Scotland said that while the move was unusual, it was an accurate statement of council policy, which was not precluded by the Local Government Act. However, Audit Scotland said that while the move was unusual, it was an accurate statement of council policy, which was not precluded by council tax regulations.
Audit Scotland concluded:
The council said it had been vindicated.The council said it had been vindicated.
Meanwhile, the commissioner for ethical standards in public life in Scotland is currently considering a number of complaints made about the letters.Meanwhile, the commissioner for ethical standards in public life in Scotland is currently considering a number of complaints made about the letters.