What our councillors thought

Mid Argyll members

Sandy Taylor: ‘It was good to see the council administration and the SNP opposition had prepared budgets which mirrored each other’s priorities.

‘This showed they had listened to their communities and provided more resources for the care of the vulnerable, for our deteriorating roads and valued community enterprises, while rejecting plans to close local toilets.

‘It is clear talks between council group leaders in advance this year played a big role in the preparation of a budget which was unanimously agreed and this is something we should commit to each year.’

Donnie MacMillan: ‘This was a very successful budget for Argyll and Bute. This was due to the hard work of the ruling group on the council.

‘There will be money for Mid Argyll Community Pool and for the Citizens’ Advice Bureau. The ruling group will not be making the proposed savings for public toilets or for community transport, which is good news for the region.’

Dougie Philand: ‘Argyll and Bute First worked closely with SNP colleagues to help influence the budget that came before council. I was concerned about the advice bureau being closed with no alternative proposals in place. I was also concerned about the withdrawal of the road safety unit.

‘The council leader was receptive to dropping these proposals following discussions with myself, Sandy Taylor and her own administration group. I am delighted with the extra funding for the health and social care partnership and also the Mid Argyll swimming pool.’

Kintyre and the Islands members

Anne Horn: ‘The SNP had prepared a competent budget that restricted cuts to roads and amenity and education services, while we rejected savings to community transport organisations, economic development and environmental health.

‘We had allocated additional monies to the council’s roads network and Argyll and Bute Citizens’ Advice Bureau. We protected valuable community assets and services while making best use of the budget surplus.

‘Faced with a budget which addressed the same priorities it was decided not to divide the chamber.

‘This is a good budget for our constituents and communities.’

Robin Currie: ‘The final allocation from the Scottish Government was not just as bad as we thought some weeks and months ago, but savings still had to be made.

‘Our biggest priority as an administration group was to address the state of our roads and I’m delighted we are able to put more than £15m into roads over the next two years.

‘I’m also pleased we are putting £1.5m more into health and social care to protect the elderly and the vulnerable.

‘The public also told us we should keep our public toilets opened and I’m really glad we have been able to keep them all open.’

Alastair Redman: ‘Keeping our local toilets open is one of my top priorities.

‘The decision to spend £15 million on roads over the next two years will help. Our roads link every corner of Argyll and Bute and have to be properly maintained.

‘The increasing elderly population in Argyll will lead to great challenges in funding health and social care which is why I am delighted we agreed to increase social care spending by £1.5 million.’