BUDGET: Huge boost for local services welcomed by Gil Paterson MSP

INCREASED funding to local services was among the perks of the budget welcomed by Clydebank and Milngavie’s MSP.

Gil Paterson MSP welcomed the Scottish Government’s proposed budget after it was announced on Thursday, December 16.

The cabinet secretary for finance, Derek Mackay MSP, announced a raft of measures to boost public services around Scotland.

Mr Paterson applauded the increased fundraising powers for East and West Dunbartonshire Council, which will now be able to boost its coffers through the unfreezing of the Council Tax.

The SNP MSP said: “It’s clear this proposed budget will boost our public services, maintain and support jobs and ease the financial burden upon our families.

 “Councils, schools and social care services will all benefit from the Scottish budget’s plan to increase funding to local authorities to the tune of up to £240 million.

 “And of course, both East and West Dunbartonshire will have the power to unfreeze the higher bandings of the Council Tax if it so desires.

“Clydebank’s local services will be emboldened by the SNP government’s plan for a direct £120 million funding package going into our schools towards closing the attainment gap. 

“The budget will see £107 million NHS funding given to into social care partnerships for social care workers and for the living wage to be paid.

“What all these measures will do will ease the burden on our local services and put more spending power into the hands of West and East Dunbartonshire Councils. 

“Let us hope the opposition act responsible and come to a consensus with these positive proposals, those that help alleviate the terrible effects of Tory austerity on our local services.”

A full breakdown of the budget can be found on the Scottish Government’s website, atwww.gov.scot/Publications/2016/12/6610.