Kirkintilloch councillor Susan Murray:’Don’t starve local councils of cash’

An East Dunbartonshire councillor says the Scottish Government must not delay allocating emergency funds to local authorities.

More than £3.5 billion has been sent from Westminster to support Scotland during the pandemic, with almost all being spent on business support, welfare and transport. 

Kirkintilloch East and North and Twechar councillor Susan Murray said: “I would like to pay tribute to every council employee for the way they have continued to deliver services, including extra support for local people affected by Covid-19. I also welcome the support measures and clear guidance being put in place by the Scottish Government and their advisors.”

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“Despite the crisis we find ourselves in, I am amazed that the SNP Government is still trying to squeeze local government finances.  Only last week Kate Forbes, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, told councils that she was delaying passing on £155 million from the UK Government.

“This position was reversed thanks to pressure from the Lib Dems at COSLA, but it shows the attitude of the SNP towards local government.  They have consistently reduced the funding available for councils to deliver local services such as roads, waste services, green space, and care at home and social care through the health and social care partnership.  During this terrible time the importance of all care workers has been recognised.  The UK Government has increased funding to councils for social care in England.  But even when money could support care workers in Scotland, the SNP Government tries to withhold council funding. 

“Councils provide good quality jobs and make a significant contribution to our local economy.  Starving councils of cash may increase the number of zero hours contract jobs in areas like social care.” 

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Local authorities in Scotland are playing a crucial role in the response to Covid-19 and we are in regular contact with COSLA and individual councils about funding and other operational issues. We are providing a package of measures worth £2.3 billion, including an extension to the grant scheme, through local authorities to support Scotland’s firms.

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“We have also committed direct additional funding of £175.6 million. This includes the £50 million hardship fund; £45 million Scottish Welfare Fund top-up, £15 million food fund for free school meals,  and £50 million for a council tax reduction scheme and social security benefits.

 “This week we confirmed £50 million for social care to help with additional COVID-19 costs. This funding is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to support resilience in social care provision and ensure that any increasing need for social care as a result of the pandemic is met.”

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