North Lanarkshire Council’s finance chief is calling on the Scottish Government to increase funding for local councils ahead of the upcoming budget. As the council prepares to set its budget, the finance convener, Andrew Duffy-Lawson, is urging the Scottish Government to use its powers to prevent further cuts to essential services.
Duffy-Lawson highlighted the recent increase in funding to the Scottish Government following the UK Government’s budget, with an additional £1.5 billion allocated for this financial year and £3.4 billion for the next. Despite this increase, he criticised the SNP-controlled government for prioritising external affairs and constitutional budgets over local government funding.
The finance convener emphasised the importance of protecting vital services for communities, stressing the need for the Scottish Government to align its priorities with delivering local services. He called for action to fulfil the promise of ‘more powers, fewer cuts’ and ensure that councils like North Lanarkshire can continue to deliver essential services without facing budget reductions.
North Lanarkshire Council is scheduled to set its budget for the upcoming year on February 20. The council will receive £869.7 million under the Local Government Settlement, with significant funding earmarked for projects like the replacement of University Hospital Monklands and support for school developments.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison expressed the government’s commitment to supporting communities across Scotland through the budget, focusing on meeting the evolving needs of society. She urged Parliament to pass the budget, which she described as a blueprint for recovery and hope, enabling the government to address the priorities of Scotland’s residents.
In summary, North Lanarkshire Council is pushing for increased financial support from the Scottish Government to safeguard essential services in the upcoming budget. The council’s finance chief is calling for a shift in priorities towards local government funding to ensure that communities receive the necessary support and resources. With the budget-setting process approaching, the outcome will have a significant impact on the provision of services in North Lanarkshire and beyond.