Billions of failures

So, the SNP Government has underspent by half a billion pounds in 2017-18.

It’s a staggering amount to keep back, when it could have gone to public services. It could have properly funded local councils, so that cuts to classroom assistants were not necessary, or cuts to local environmental and cleansing services were not necessary. It could have gone to providing replacement bin lorries for Scotland’s capital, or adequate street sweeping – one of the most constant complaints is the condition of our streets and pavements. And a small part of half a billion could fill a lot of potholes, starting to remedy the poor state of Scotland’s

roads. What else? No need to cut library hours, close swimming pools, axe pensioners’ lunch clubs or public toilets. Local councils’ Health and Social Care departments need more carers – this money could have paid for a great service. No need for brown bin charges in Edinburgh.

A way of life is being

destroyed here – caring for others in our society, and providing decent local services to enhance the quality of life for all.

But most of all, consider the people thrown out of work because of the cuts to Local Authority budgets. Job losses in Edinburgh have been in the thousands, with thoulocals

sands more in other Local Authorities throughout Scotland. How can the SNP justify throwing so many of their fellow citizens on the scrapheap?

ANNE WIMBERLEY

Belmont Road, Edinburgh