Budget cuts warning call

Shotts politicians Alex Neil and Neil Gray have called on the council to put a stop to proposed cuts in a joint submission to the council’s consultation on the budget.

In their joint submission, Mr Neil and Mr Gray have highlighted that the additional £ 10 million allocated by the Scottish Government to NLC coupled with a three per cent increase in council tax, would prevent the need for the cuts outlined in the draft budget.

The MSP and MP also argue that the proposed cuts to educat i o n , health and community facilities will have a devastating impact in their constituency.

These include the proposed reduction to the opening hours of Shotts Leisure Centre.

The submission to the consultation follows a letter in January from Mr Neil and Mr Gray to council leader Jim Logue condemning the planned cuts.

Mr Neil said: “North Lanarkshire Council has to put a stop to these short- sighted and ill thought through cuts. If the council proceeds with its proposed plans they will have a devastating impact on all local communities t h ro u g h o u t No r t h Lanarkshire.

“I am concerned about the plans to cut back on or close down community centres and leisure facilities in Airdrie and Shotts. Removing or reducing these services will be devastating for smaller communities, impacting on the health and wellbeing of my constituents.

“Under the current proposals the levels of unemployment, poverty and deprivation would increase significantly t h ro u g h o u t No r t h Lanarkshire. I and Neil Gray MP, strongly urge the council to think again and act responsibly and fairly.”

With a number of savings already confirmed, the local authority still need to find £ 8.1 million of savings ahead of budget day this Friday.

Council officials have released saving options totalling £14.68 million with the public being invited to air their views on what they wish to save.

When the budget proposals were announced, the council’s chief executive Paul Jukes urged residents to make their voices heard and let the council know their opinions.

Mr Gray said: “Yet again, North Lanarkshire Council has failed to look at the bigger picture before putting forward unpopular and ill-advised proposals.

“The cuts to third sector groups of 11 per cent could see a huge fall in support for those most vulnerable in our society, and the closure of Kilbowie Outdoor Centre will mean children in North Lanarkshire missing out on what for some may be their only chance to have a break from daily life.

“Mr Neil and I are firmly against this budget.”