SNP hit back with own budget
SNP councillors unveiled their own budget also proposing a three percent council tax rise.
The independents and SNP councillors only laid eyes on the ruling administration’s budget an hour before the full council meeting kicked off at 10am on Thursday morning.
SNP local leader Allan Dorans slammed the lack of consultation saying “there was no time for effective scrutiny.”
He said his party locally wanted to “help the most deprived communities” in Ayr and Girvan with £ 150,000 to pay for support staff.
And they promised to fund local galas again - after the rural events suffered cuts last year.
Independent councillor Alec Clark said: “We should work together and have an inclusive budget where everyone gets an input.”
Labour councillor Ian Cavana added: “The new council has to reconsider what happens here. “It is unacceptable.” Jibes were fired at the yellowbannered budget.
Deputy council leader John McDowall ( Labour) blasted: “This is only half a budget.”
Councillor Bill Grant ( Conservative) said there was no mention of boosting employment.
He said: “The priority must be the creation of jobs.”
Councillor Andy Campbell ( Labour) asked why his ward Kyle had not been included in the SNPs allocation of cash for deprived areas.
Fellow Labour councillor Brian McGinley said: “Rural poverty is an important issue that must be tackled.“