Labour listen
U-turn as financial plans are passed
North Lanarkshire Council have performed a massive u- turn and dropped the hated community alarm charge.
The climbdown came on budget day as it was confirmed £27million would be wiped from the council kitty from April 1.
Over 1500 people signed a petition, organised by Central Wishaw and Coltness Community Councils, last year protesting against the £5 charge.
The dropping of the charge came on a day when the ruling Labour group made their final pitch to voters ahead of May’s council elections.
Labour opted to provide an extra £11million for social care and said there would be no compulsory redundancies.
They also decided not to pass on £5.2million of cuts to social care allowed for by the Scottish Government.
Council leader Jim Logue admitted Labour got it wrong by introducing the community alarm charge, which could cost £2.4million to reinstate.
He said: “There is a commitment to the most vulnerable and the elderly in this budget but it’s silent from the SNP. If I make a mistake then I’m big enough to stand up and say so.
“This is a budget which invests where it is needed most – more money for vulnerable older adults, more money for vulnerable young adults with complex needs, and more money to head teachers to determine expenditure directly according to the specific needs of the communities they serve.”
However, Independent Alliance member Sam Love told the Wishaw Press he would be asking for residents who have paid the charge since it was introduced to be reimbursed.
Around £56million was also put aside for six new schools across North Lanarkshire,