SNP government increases funding for councils

Gil Paterson MSP

MSP Gil Paterson has praised the revised budget proposals that will see extra funds go into local authorities in his constituency, Clydebank and Milngavie

West Dunbartonshire will receive an extra £2.8 million funding under the revised budget proposals unveiled by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay.

The local authority will be funded to the tune of £184 million in the Scottish budget when it passes through parliament.

The budget boost comes as the Scottish Government confirmed that local government will receive an above inflation increase in resource funding.

And, it does not take into account the extra cash schools are getting to tackle the attainment gap, including £3.4 million for West Dunbartonshire.

The SNP budget will give Scots the best deal in the UK – with investment in public services and a tax cut for lower earners.

Under the progressive tax reforms 70 per cent of taxpayers will pay less than last year, while higher earners will face a modest increase.

These tax changes will allow the Scottish Government to increase health spending by £400 million to £13.6 billion, lift the public sector pay cap and provide a package of investment in the economy.

Gil Paterson, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, said: “The draft budget shows that where Scotland has the power, the SNP will take a different, fairer approach – and give Scots the best deal in the UK.

“Thanks to the decisions made by the Scottish Government, local government will see an above inflation rise in their revenue funding – with West Dunbartonshire Council receiving an extra £2.8 million to spend on local services.

“On top of this increase in council funds, the Scottish Government has also delegated another £3.4 million for schools to tackle the attainment gap in West Dunbartonshire.

“That’s a good deal for taxpayers and for public services in Clydebank and Milngavie – and is only possible because of the SNP’s progressive tax reforms, that are backed by the public by 2 to 1.

“In the face of massive Westminster cuts, the Scottish Government is using its powers progressively to invest in our schools and our hospitals – and in communities across Clydebank and West Dunbartonshire.”

On where the extra funds came from, Mr Paterson added: “The Scottish Government has a legal duty to present a balanced budget. The additional funding comes from a combination of changes in taxation and the allocation of underspend, the level of which was not clear when the draft budget was published in December.”

ENDS