NL protest at Parly over budget cuts
Voluntary and third sector organisations from across North Lanarkshire will descend on the Scottish Parliament next week to make their voices heard against further cuts to North Lanarkshire Council’s budget.
O r ga n i s e d by Nor th Lanarkshire Labour with the support of trade unions, the protest is seen as a last chance to put pressure on the Scottish Government before the Budget is announced next Thursday.
North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim Logue said: “Since 2007, North Lanarkshire’s budget has been cut by more than £150 million - including £31 million in the current financial year alone.
“This has placed intolerable pressure on local services and, in many cases, on vital local organisations.
“The Scottish Government has previously defended these cuts by blaming the reduction in the block grant it receives from the UK Government, however the reality is that local budgets have been cut twice as deep.
“We would urge as many local people and organisations as possible to join us outside the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh, on Tuesday, December 13, to send a message to the Scottish Government that this Budget is not simply about numbers on a piece of paper, but people’s jobs and vital services like schools, roads and care for the elderly.
“By working together, we can do our utmost to prevent these cuts and demand that North Lanarkshire’s services are protected.”