Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, has backed draft budget proposals that commit £281.3m to Perth and Kinross Council in 2021/22.
Scotland’s Finance Secretary Kate Forbes announced this week that the SNP Government will hand Perth and Kinross Council an additional £10.3m on last year’s spending – an increase of 3.8%. The plans will provide the council with an increase in day-to-day revenue spending.
£90 million has also been set aside to scrap rises in Council Tax and compensate local authorities who had planned to increase charges by up to 3% - allowing hard-pressed householders to keep more of their money to spend on other essentials.
Across Scotland, councils are set to receive £11.6 billion with £259 million added in one-off funding to support ongoing COVID-19 pressures on local services.
Commenting, Mr Swinney said:
“In these uncertain and challenging times, the SNP Government has offered stability with a budget that protects vital local services and supports our economy.
“Local council workers have been working around the clock during this pandemic to keep Perthshire moving and ensure essential services continue to operate. It is therefore welcome news that Perth and Kinross Council is set to receive a significant funding boost for the coming financial year.
“In these tough times, I know that local residents will also be delighted that the SNP Government has taken the step of supporting local authorities to introduce a freeze on Council Tax bills.
“I’ll be backing these draft budget proposals to secure this cash for Perth and Kinross Council.”
