A SENIOR Labour councillor's comment that Citizens Advice in Blackburn with Darwen was unable to deliver the advice services the borough needs have been condemned as 'scandalous'.

Cllr Andy Kay made the remark as he delivered his report as resources boss to the full Council Forum.

He attacked Prime Minister Theresa May's Tory conference statement signalling the and of austerity as ' not just empty words but deceitful'

He then turned to Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey's announcement of 'a new, national partnership' between the government with Citizens Advice to deliver Universal Support across the UK.

She told the conference: "This will help the most vulnerable get timely access to Universal Credit, providing budgeting advice and developing their digital skills."

Cllr Kay said that in Blackburn with Darwen 'Citizens Advice were unable to deliver the advice service for the council that we required'.

Borough Tory group leader Cllr John Slater told him: "What a scandalous remark for you to make.

"Citizen's Advice is a reputable organisation with long history of helping people in need.

"You should apologise for this scandalous slur on Citizens Advice."

Cllr Kay replied that in 2016 Blackburn with Darwen Council conducted a rigorous tendering exercise for debt assistance and related services and chosen a combination of the council's own staff and homelessness charity Shelter ahead of Citizens Advice bid.