£3.9 Million for South Lanarkshire Council

Strathaven based MSP Linda Fabiani has welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Government, that South Lanarkshire will receive £3.9 million next year from the Scottish Government.

The money will enable South Lanarkshire Council to freeze the council tax but also allow them:

to cut class sizes

invest in social care including support for vulnerable people, care for those with disabilities

invest in our police services

fund those caring for relatives and friends at risk

Welcoming the announcement Linda Fabiani said:

“This is welcome news for the people of Strathaven and South Lanarkshire as a whole.

“The Scottish Government, in committing this money is supporting South Lanarkshire Council to deliver key local and national services to benefit people across the area.

“The funding increase of 4.5 percent will allow South Lanarkshire Council to freeze the council tax and avoid the 3.5% rise that would otherwise land on people’s doorsteps next year, and I hope that is what they will choose to do.

“People across Scotland suffered under the weight of a 60% rise in Council Tax over a 10 years period under the Labour Government and it is time to address the burden on people’s lives that this caused.

“The SNP Government is increasing the funding available for people with disabilities, mental health issues and victims of domestic violence amongst others.

“The SNP Government is taking action to ensure South Lanarkshire Council can meet all their commitments to people in Strathaven and that local authorities have the financial freedom to respond to the needs of their local community.

“I hope politicians of all persuasions will welcome the announcement today and that South Lanarkshire Council will be one of the first to commit to freezing the council tax.”