BUDGET GETS HOLYROOD BACKING WITH BOOST FOR LOCAL SERVICES

Published date : 01 Feb 2019

BUDGET GETS HOLYROOD BACKING WITH BOOST FOR LOCAL SERVICES

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SUPPORT INCREASE IN INVESTMENT IN FIFE

Holyrood has backed the Scottish Government’s budget plans, offering economic stability in the face of Brexit while giving a cash boost to the NHS, schools and other vital services.

Despite Westminster cuts of almost £2 billion in a decade to Scotland’s block resource grant, the Scottish Government is proposing additional funding of almost £730 million for Scotland’s health and care services – including £661.4m for NHS Fife.

Under the Finance Secretary’s plans Fife Council will receive £700.443m from the Scottish Government – an increase of £34.081m on last year’s settlement.

Councils will receive a real terms increase in both revenue and capital funding with a total overall settlement of £11.1bn, plus an additional £90 million for the core local government grant.

The budget also includes more than £180 million to raise attainment in schools, and almost £500 million for the expansion of early learning and childcare.

Fife MSP Jenny Gilruth said:

“With the UK government in complete chaos, the Scottish Government is offering certainty and stability with a budget which protects public services, supports the economy, and helps build a fairer country.

“This budget uses our powers in a progressive way in order to protect and invest in our public services – with a major boost for the NHS.

“Giving our schools, hospitals and other vital services in Fife the money they need to deliver better services for our communities is vital to this government. This is why I welcome Holyrood’s support for the budget.”

Local Reporters, East Fife Mail, Glenrothes Gazette, St Andrews Citizen, Courier (Fife), HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE, LOCAL GOV