Moray SNP News

MORAY SNP OPPOSITION SET OUT ALTERNATIVE COUNCIL BUDGET PRIORITIES

“THIS ALTERNATIVE PROTECTS SERVICES AND PROTECTS THE PUBLIC FROM LUDICROUS BILL RISES” - CLLR GARY COULL

SNP Opposition Councillors are set to propose an alternative and responsible budget that will protect critical services and maintain a Council Tax Freeze but still find substantially more savings than are being proposed by the Council’s Independent/Tory Administration.

The SNP Opposition Group has been working a range of proposals, getting information from Council Officers and looking at serious alternatives to the proposed Independent/Tory budget.

They have also heavily criticised the Council Administration over their ‘knee-jerk reaction’ plans to increase Council Tax when serious alternatives are available.

A full alternative budget will be presented by the SNP Opposition at Wednesday’s budget meeting.

SNP Opposition Group Leader Cllr Gary Coull said:

“By proposing a crazy 18% Council Tax rise the Independent/Tory Administration of Moray Council showed just how bereft of ideas they are. Their own budget shows how they jumped in with both feet and why no increase to Council Tax was ever needed.

“The SNP has worked on alternative proposals that will save the Council £3 million more than the Administration proposals rather than leaving a huge time bomb for next year’s budget.

“At the same time our proposals also protect the least well off from excessive increases in School Meals and Music Tuition charges, they would protect critical services such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and they would protect vital Economic Development investment, which is obviously important for growing our economy and supporting job creation.

“Independent and Tory Councillors seem not to have an original or innovative idea on the direction Moray Council should take. We are taking a common sense, practical and sustainable approach that would put the Council on a far better footing to face the ongoing challenges from Tory austerity economics coming from Westminster.”