A political row over the future of council funding in West Lothian has seen the SNP accused of refusing to acknowledge the dire financial situation they face - as they said opponents were ignoring “inconvenient truths” about increased spending on Scottish councils and in health and social care.
The debate came on the back of a budget round-up provided by head of Finance Donald Forrest. The detailed paper provided budget options for decisions councillors will need to make next month.
Core funding for the council will increase but so will the element of ring fencing of this money. The increases are also being eaten away by surging inflation.
