North East LibDem MSP warns of Council cuts ahead (Dundee Liberal Democrats)

Dundee Liberal Democrats <info@dundeelibdems.org.uk>

North East LibDem MSP warns of Council cuts ahead

February 7, 2008 9:21 PM

Alison McInnes MSP, Liberal Democrat MSP for North East Scotland

Alison McInnes MSP warns of Council cuts ahead

Speaking today (Thursday 7th February) in the Scottish Parliament, Alison McInnes, LibDem MSP for North East Scotland, refused to throw LibDem backing behind the SNP's local government settlement.

Describing the Concordat with COSLA as "opaque", she suggested the reason for the SNP abandoning ring-fencing for local authority spending was to avoid taking responsibility for any shortfalls that emerge once authorities have had the chance to break down the numbers.

Alison said, "The removal of ring fencing might make council budgeting more flexible but by its nature it will put at risk initiatives which have been successful. Many local community groups have expressed concern that budget cuts are looming."

She also criticised the SNP's threat to make the funding dependent upon authorities signing up to all aspects of the Concordat with COSLA. She said, "If they don't agree to everything then they will receive a reduced block grant. Is that a new respect for local government?"

Here in Dundee, LibDem City Council group leader, Cllr Fraser Macpherson, said, "I have particular concerns about the SNP government's cut in the Community Regeneration funding. Renamed the so-called 'Fairer Scotland' Fund, it is hardly fair, having cut funding to vulnerable communities."