LONDON, February 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Unite, Scotland's largest trade union, has slammed SNP and Conservative councillors at Stirling Council after they voted to close two local residential care homes last night as part of the local budget proposals.

Amid angry scenes at the Stirling City Chambers, Labour and Liberal councillors voted 11-11 against their SNP and Tory counterparts on a budget plan shaped by private-hire consultants KPMG.

The SNP Provost then cast the deciding vote in favour of the budget, closing the Beech Gardens and Wellgreen residential homes at a cost of 40 full-time residential placements and potentially 50 local jobs.

Unite senior industrial officer Pat Rafferty said: Last night we witnessed first-hand the devastating social and employment impact of the SNP's budget. Beech Gardens and Wellgreen employ 50 local people across a variety of occupations while caring for 40 permanent residents and up to 40 day-care placements.

Alternative and viable budget proposals were put forward by the Labour group that would have secured these elderly care places and our members' jobs. However, the SNP Provost and councillors in collaboration with the Conservatives decided to follow the 'savings opportunity' presented by the KPMG consultants.

Stirling Council's unholy 'Tartan-Tory' alliance has let the local community down badly.

Anger over last night's decision was further compounded when it was revealed that KPMG's consultancy fees have already cost Stirling Council around GBP350,000 and could rise to GBP1,000,000.

The 'savings opportunity' indentified by KPMG in closing Beech Gardens and Wellgreen is said to be between GBP250,000 and GBP430,000.

A consultation process on the closures is expected to begin in April.

For further information contact Unite Senior Industrial Officer Pat Rafferty on +44(0)7810157929.