Moray SNP News

£2.75M BUDGET BOOST FOR MORAY COUNCIL

Moray Council will receive an extra £2.75m funding under the revised budget proposals unveiled by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay.

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

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% 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.

Commenting, SNP MSP Richard Lochhead 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 funding is increasing by inflation and today Moray Council have been given an extra £2.75 to spend on local services.

“ This additional funding for local services is hugely welcome and I hope the Council will now move quickly to drop some of their more draconian proposed cuts to our schools and education services. I appreciate Moray Council face tough decisions, just as the Scottish Government has faced tough decisions, but the Council leadership can now protect education.  

“This budget is a good deal for taxpayers and for public services in Moray – and is only possible because of the SNP’s progressive tax reforms, that are backed by the public by two to one.

“In the face of significant Westminster cuts, the Scottish Government is using its powers progressively to invest in our schools and our hospitals – and in communities across Moray."