Scottish finance minister, John Swinney, said Aberdeen City Council had no-one but itself to blame for its financial situation. His statement followed Aberdeen MSP Nicol Stephen's plea for help for the cash-strapped council. In a letter to Mr Stephen, the minister said: ‘It is clear that the financial challenge now facing Aberdeen City Council is a direct result of previous administrations of the council not living within its means. ‘In these circumstances, I welcome the accounts commission's decision to hold a public hearing.'
