North Lanarkshire Council Leader writes to local MSP's ahead of Scottish Budget vote

dailyrecord.co.uk:

North Lanarkshire Council’s Leader has sent a letter to local MSP’s urging them to think about their constituents ahead of Thursday’s Scottish Budget vote.Councillor Jim Logue is asking parliamentarians to think about residents ahead of the vote, which will see North Lanarkshire Council face cuts of over £70 million within the next three financial years.

North Lanarkshire Labour have said this will be devastating for residents and will see many services either reduced or stopped to save money.

The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Local government body COSLA have advised that cuts will see councils making tough choices, affecting services in culture, schools, waste and family support.In the letter, Councillor Logue states: “I acknowledge that there are current financial and economic challenges with rising prices, inflation and soaring energy bills.“In the past we have still managed to deliver balanced budgets against the context of real term cuts.

These challenges were set during times of low inflation and relatively stable demand.“To continue such a model of funding against the backdrop of such exceptional circumstances places councils, and the services they deliver, at significant peril.“A real terms cut over three years in North Lanarkshire Council will be devastating to local communities.