£57M GONE IN A FLASH
Leader slams budget plans but SNP says deal is good for North Lanarkshire
North Lanarkshire Council’s leader has hit out at the Scottish Government over its budget settlement.
Jim Logue blasted Holyrood and told the Wishaw Press that a total of £57 million will be wiped from the council kitty over the next three years.
Councillor Logue said: “The SNP budget hands down £57 million of cuts to North Lanarkshire over the next three years and yet again we will be faced with having to cut services or jobs to balance the books
“As ever, the final decision rests with SNP MSPs in North Lanarkshire.
“They have the opportunity to stand up to their government and ask them to reverse these catastrophic cuts before this budget is passed in Parliament.
“This year – more than ever – we need a no-cuts budget for North Lanarkshire as we look to recover from the Covid pandemic.
“It’s time for SNP councillors, MSPs and MPs to work with us – as we have worked with their government – to support our residents and services as best as we possibly can.
“We need a far better deal for North Lanarkshire when the budget is voted on later this month.”
Around £90 million has also been set aside to scrap rises in council tax and compensate local authorities who had planned to increase charges by up to three per cent – allowing hard-pressed householders to keep more of their money to spend on other essentials.
Shotts MSP Alex Neil praised Scotland’s Finance Secretary Kate Forbes as she announced the council an additional £18.1 million on last year’s spending – an increase of 2.7 per cent.
Mr Neil said: “In these uncertain and challenging times, the Scottish Government has offered stability with a budget that protects vital local services and supports our economy.
“Local council workers have been working around the clock during this pandemic to keep everything moving and ensure essential services continue to operate.
“So it’s great news that North Lanarkshire Council is set to receive a funding boost of £18.1 million for the coming financial year.
“In these tough times, I know that local residents will also be delighted that the SNP Government has taken the significant step of supporting local authorities to introduce a freeze on council tax bills.
“I’ll be backing these draft budget proposals to secure this cash for North Lanarkshire Council.”