Evelyn Tweed MSP for Stirling has welcomed an additional £120million which will be made available for local councils following an announcement by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes. Councils will have complete flexibility to allocate this additional funding as they wish in 2022-23.
The money is being made available after the UK Government advised that the Scottish Government should anticipate further funding for 2021-22, funding which will be confirmed at the Spring Supplementary Estimates next month.
Evelyn Tweed SNP MSP for Stirling said: “This money is the equivalent to a 4% council tax rise and couldn’t come at a better time. Local councils play a hugely important role in our communities but have faced incredible pressure through the pandemic.
“As the finance secretary points out, councils have full flexibility in setting local council tax rates but hopefully this funding will mean there will be no requirement for any inflation-busting increases to council tax next year. At a time when the rising cost of living is of real worry to thousands of families and individuals across Stirling, this additional money will help alleviate some of the financial pressure being felt by many people across the country.”
Scott Farmer, Councillor for Stirling West, said: “I welcome the additional funding from Scottish Government. Stirling’s share will ensure we can maintain high quality public services on behalf of our citizens.”