The SNP government is increasing its funding to West Dunbartonshire Council to bolster lifeline public services.
The local authority will receive £189.26 million, which is £4.38 million more than last year, an increase of 2.31 per cent. A modest tax increase on higher earners and a lowering of taxes on lower earners guarantees extra funding for schools, roads and housing. More than half of Scots will pay less income tax, 70 per cent will pay no more and 30 per cent will contribute a modest amount more. The budget will also see additional £400 million into Scotland’s NHS to protect it from years of budget cuts by the UK Tory government. Schools in West Dunbartonshire will receive £3.4 million as part of the Pupil Equity Fund, which looks to tackle the educational attainment gap. Mr Paterson said: “I am very glad all this extra funding will be going into the frontline services that we hold so dear in Clydebank and Milngavie and beyond. “The tax reforms are great news for my constituents, as most of them are lower or average earners. They have been protected in this tax increase and most will actually take home a slightly bigger pay cheque. “In all the excitement it’s easy to forget all of the amazing advantages of being in Scotland we’re upholding, like: free tuition, free personal care for the elderly, free bus passes, free prescriptions, free school meals and more. “Elsewhere in the UK, the Tories are squeezing the life out of councils where in Scotland we’re investing – I am very happy with it.” ENDS |
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