Public services protected despite cuts to Scotland’s block grant

(Article via www.gov.scot)

Local authorities will receive more than £10.5 billion in 2018-19, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has announced, as he unveiled a range of measures to protect public services and generate economic growth.

Mr Mackay said despite a cut of over £200 million to Scotland’s block grant by the UK Government, the 2018-19 Draft Budget delivers a fair funding settlement for local authorities.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said:

“The Scottish Government has continued to ensure that our partners in local government receive a fair funding settlement despite further cuts to the Scottish Budget from the UK Government.

“We have protected day-to-day local government spending, while increasing the capital budget. Local authorities will receive more than £10.5 billion through the local government finance settlement in 2018-19.

“We are using our tax varying powers to boost investment in public services, and if local authorities choose to use their powers to increase Council Tax, by up to 3 per cent, they will have an overall real-terms increase in the funds at their disposal, to support local services.”

Article Source: Public services protected despite cuts to Scotland’s block grant. Local authorities will receive more than £10.5 billion in 2018-19, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has announced, as he unveiled a range of measures to protect public services and generate economic growth. Mr Mackay said despite a cut of over £200 million to Scotland’s block grant by the UK Government, the 2018-19 Draft Budget delivers a fair funding settlement for local authorities. Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: “The Scottish Government has continued to ensure that our partners in local government receive a fair funding settlement despite further cuts to the Scottish Budget from the UK Government. “We have protected day-to-day local government spending, while increasing the capital budget. Local authorities will receive more than £10.5 billion through the local government finance settlement in 2018-19. “We are using our tax varying powers to boost investment in public services, and if local authorities choose to use their powers to increase Council Tax, by up to 3 per cent, they will have an overall real-terms increase in the funds at their disposal, to support local services.”