SNP Government to provide £62m extra to councils to end tax freeze standoff
dailyrecord.co.ukScottish Ministers have coughed up extra funding as a sweetener for local authorities over a bitter council tax freeze row.Humza Yousaf’s SNP Government has tried to end the stalemate by providing a two-stage cash injection worth £62.7m.Yousaf tried to reset relations with councils last year by signing a new cooperation agreement with town hall bosses.But the deal crashed and burned after he announced plans for a national council tax freeze over their heads.His deputy, Shona Robison, has offered £147m to councils to freeze the tax, but local authorities are holding out as they say it leaves them short.The Record can reveal the Government has blinked and brought more money to the table after high-level talks.In a letter to council leaders, Finance Secretary Robison has promised to pass on £45m as a result of the UK Government’s announcement on adult social care funding.She will also give councils an additional £17.7m.She wrote: “In making this decision we will be allocating an additional £62.7 million to councils in Scotland for them to use as they see fit.
In the context of the wide range of demands on the Scottish Budget and challenges across the public sector, I consider that this is a significant offer of compromise.“It will mean that the £147 million in funding allocated will be wholly additional funding.
This compromise, in the spirit of constructive discussions we have had in recent weeks, represents a significant protection and improvement in the funding position for local government, which no other portfolio is benefiting from."She said the money would be tied to a council tax freeze: “It is also a demonstration of our commitment to the Verity House Agreement.
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