Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Council services could be ‘unrecognisable’
JUDITH TONNER
Council leader Jim Logue has reiterated his warnings about the future shape of North Lanarkshire’s finances.
The Labour group leader last week told the Advertiser that the authority could face a “catastrophic” £100 million cut over the next three years with a consequent impact on services.
Now he is calling on councillors across the political spectrum to join in with the council’s “sounding board” to determine the finances for the years ahead, as initial meetings about the budget process got underway this week.
Councillor Logue said: “People will not recognise local government services in the future, comparing with what we have at the present time.
“There will be a serious detrimental effect and we’re going to see the cessation of services, facilities closing down and councils just doing what they’re statutorily required to do.
“Services we’d never have contemplated for review will now be up for consideration, and a lot of non-statutory services which are very popular with residents and which people want to see will go off.”
He added: “I’d appeal to opposition councillors, MPs and MSPs not to indulge in political posturing but to come to the table and influence the direction of all services – my plea to the SNP group is that they join us on the sounding board.”
Councillor Logue was prompted to repeat his budget concerns after reading Dundee council leader John Alexander, of the SNP, making a similar warning of being “in a dire situation”.
The North Lanarkshire leader added: “It’s interesting that the same adjective, ‘catastrophic’, was used, and I think it’s very significant that even SNP councils are advising of catastrophic cuts now on the way from Edinburgh.
“He’s absolutely right to point this out, as it affects every community and council in Scotland whether Labour, SNP or coalition – we all face the same financial challenges and this is the presenting reality.
“We’ve lost £260 million over 10 years and now we’re looking at another £30m in the next three; it’s not suustainable.
SNP group leader Tom Johnston told the Advertiser: “The group will not be participating in any Labour-Tory budget sounding board; just as last year, the SNP budget team will meet officials and produce an alternative budget for the people of North Lanarkshire.
“First we have to learn the UK budget for 2020- 2023, then its effects on the Scottish budget, and finally the Scottish Government’s three-year proposals for local government.”
He added that he considered council streamlining and changes in recent years to be “a warning that North Lanarkshire out of social security spend in Scotland over the six years to 2023.
“Universal credit is hitting families hard, people face no old-age pension until they are 75 in future – Lanarkshire Labour are silent on these issues.” records from July 2017 to June 2018.
It reveals that the Langmuir Road/ Coatbridge Road/ Gartcosh Road roundabout in Bargeddie – along with Sheriffhall roundabout near Edinburgh and the Bellfield Interchange in Kilmarnock – were the worst for accidents in the country, with five taking place at each.
The crashes led to five casualties at each roundabout.
They were followed by the A737/ A761/ Linwood Road roundabout in Paisley, where there were four crashes there during the 12 months – involving a total of eight vehicles and A Caldercruix man has avoided a prison sentence after getting behind the wheel while almost three times over the legal alcohol limit.
Ryan Clark, 22, risked his and others’ lives on June 2 when he foolishly drove in his home village following an episode of threatening and abusive behaviour.
Braefoot Court resident Clark was also disqualified from driving at the time of the offence.
He appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court last week after admitting the charges and was told he was close to being put behind bars.
His defence solicitor said: “He’s been very candid and it was a large misjudgment on his part.”
Sheriff Pieri told Clark: “This could have resulted in a custodial sentence.
“I’ll impose a community payback order with 140 hours of unpaid work to be done in the next year.
“If you breach this you will be sentenced all over again.
“I will also disqualify you from driving for three years.”