SCOTLAND’S councils have written to the UK and Scottish governments calling for their “fair share” of the extra funding announced in the Budget.
On Wednesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said that her spending and tax plans would see an extra £3.4 billion flow to Scotland in 2025/26 due to Barnett consequentials from spending decisions south of the Border.
And on Friday, Scottish Labour detailed the UK Government’s plans to bypass Holyrood and provide £1.4bn of additional “direct investment” into Scotland over 10 years.
On Friday, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) – the umbrella body for Scots councils – said it had written to the Scottish and UK governments seeking clarity on the funding arrangements.
Cosla resources spokesperson Katie Hagmann, an SNP councillor, said: “Following the UK Budget announcement, I have written today to both UK Government and Scottish Government seeking assurance that local government in Scotland and the communities we serve will receive our fair share of the additional funds announced in the UK Budget.
“Scottish local government has seen significant cuts to our core settlement over time, and we hope that moving into 2025/26 we can begin to reverse these cuts and ensure that there is sustainable investment in local public services.
“We have sought assurances from the UK Government around some areas, including the increase to employer National Insurance contributions which will not only have a detrimental impact on councils as employers, but also on the many partner organisations who deliver vital services across our communities, for example social care and children’s services."
Scotland’s council’s are unlikely to see any additional in-year funding. The Budget included an extra £1.5bn for Scotland this year, but on Thursday, First Minister John Swinney said it had already been allocated.
He told MSPs: “The increase in funding for this financial year largely accords with our expectations in our internal planning and is necessary to meet the costs of increased pay settlements and the effect of inflation that the Finance Secretary has previously explained to parliament.”
