For immediate release:

£9.5 MILLION BUDGET BOOST FOR SOUTH LANARKSHIRE

South Lanarkshire Council will receive an extra £9.5 million funding under the revised budget proposals unveiled by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay.

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

The Scottish Government 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, Rutherglen SNP MSP, Clare Haughey, said:

“The draft budget shows that where Scotland has the power, the Scottish Government will take a different, fairer approach – and give Scots the best deal in the UK.

“Thanks to the decisions made by the Scottish Government, South Lanarkshire Council will see an above inflation rise in their revenue funding – with an extra £9.5 million to spend on local services than was initially proposed.

“That’s a good deal for taxpayers and for public services in Rutherglen and Cambuslang – and is only possible because of 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 South Lanarkshire.”

ENDS

Notes:

ADDITIONAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING ALLOCATIONS