Lanarkshire councillors respond to 2024 Scottish budget
Lanarkshire councillors have shared their reactions to the recent Scottish budget announcement which included the end of last year’s council tax freeze and funding for the planned new Monklands Hospital. Both North and South Lanarkshire council leaders are currently examining the details of the Holyrood announcement made by finance secretary Shona Robison. The SNP groups in the area have commended the “record funding for local government” as part of the budget, which includes £1.7 billion allocated for NHS Lanarkshire, marking an increase of £224 million from the previous year. Health secretary Neil Gray expressed his support for the budget, emphasising the positive impact it will have on local residents.
South Lanarkshire Council leader Joe Fagan stated that their priority is to ensure that core funding for councils continues to rise and that any financial burdens imposed by the central government are adequately addressed. Meanwhile, North Lanarkshire counterpart Jim Logue emphasized the importance of removing the council tax freeze and highlighted the need for increased real-terms funding without conditions attached. SNP group leaders from both councils praised the budget for its investment in key local services and urged other parties to support the funding increase.
Councillor Robert Brown of South Lanarkshire’s Liberal Democrats raised concerns about the budget, describing it as having a sense of ambiguity and questioning the funding for promised initiatives like the winter fuel allowance and the abolition of the two-child limit for benefits. Health secretary Mr Gray welcomed the budget steps supporting the new Monklands Hospital replacement project and other measures aimed at benefitting local communities. Central Scotland representative Richard Leonard called for a definitive timetable for the new hospital project.
In summary, Lanarkshire councillors are engaging with the details of the 2024 Scottish budget, evaluating its impact on local services and residents. The budget has received a mix of responses from council leaders, with a focus on securing fair funding for councils and essential services. The emphasis is on ensuring that promised initiatives are adequately funded and delivered to benefit the communities in Lanarkshire.