Jim calls for no cuts to local authorities
Philip Hammond’s cash handover should avoid squeeze
Nor th Lanarkshire Council’s leader has demanded no cuts are made to the local authority’s budget for next year.
Jim Logue called on Scottish Finance Secretary Derek Mackay to deliver a no cuts settlement for North Lanarkshire after Chancellor Philip Hammond gave Holyrood a large block grant in his Budget.
In a radio appearance, Mr Mackay confirmed the block grant from Westminster will increase in the next financial year.
In response, Jim Logue said: “We all know that austerity has taken its toll on budgets across the UK over the last ten years, and North Lanarkshire has been no exception. Through prudent financial management and by taking difficult decisions, our administration has managed to mitigate the worst effects of austerity and make North Lanarkshire the fastest growing economy in Scotland.
“We have also managed to poverty-proof our schools with policies such as Club 365, an increase in the school uniform clothing and footwear grant and the provision of free sanitary products. All of this has been achieved against a backdrop of over £200 million being taken from our budget by this SNP Government since 2007. This has had a devastating impact on our frontline services, such as environmental health, roads maintenance and winter weather preparations.
“Over the last five years, council budgets have been cut far in excess of the block grant received from Westminster. However, Derek Mackay himself has now admitted that his budget will increase next year.
“That’s why we believe it is time for the SNP to truly stand up for Scotland and ensure that there are no further cuts to council budgets such as North Lanarkshire’s.”
The Scottish Government will publish its own Budget in December.
In response to the Chancellor’s Budget plans, Derek Mackay said: “They could have done much more to stimulate the economy and invest in our public services, and they have chosen not to.
“I asked the Tories to ‘show me the money’ when they declared austerity was over - looking at their budget they have instead short-changed Scotland, and particularly the NHS.
“The Scottish Government has already set out our plans to support the NHS in the years to come and the funding we have received as a result of health spending in England will go to our NHS in Scotland but so far the UK Government has fallen at least £50 million short of what was promised only four months ago.
“The reality of the Budget is that Scotland continues to be hit by UK austerity and the decision to leave the EU.”