GIVE THE NORTH EAST A FAIR SHARE - McINNES (BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats)

BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats <info@banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk>

GIVE THE NORTH EAST A FAIR SHARE - McINNES

February 9, 2012 3:05 PM
Originally published by Alison McInnes

North East Liberal Democrat MSP Alison McInnes has called for Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils to be given a fair share of funding from the Scottish Government.

Speaking during the Local Government Finance Order debate at Holyrood today (Thursday), Mrs McInnes reiterated her support for the 'Fair Share' campaign, calling on the Government to ensure that every council receives at least 90% of the national average of funding.

Following the debate, Mrs McInnes added:

"While I welcome the Scottish Government's commitment to an 85% floor for local authority funding, the fact remains that Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire are among the most poorly funded councils in Scotland.　 If the Government increased their funding to just 90% of the national average, Aberdeenshire would get an extra £13million to spend this year, and Aberdeen City an extra £26million.

"In the existing economic climate, that extra money would make a huge difference in terms of local services.　

"I've been a supporter of the Fair Share campaign since its outset, along with local councillors from all sides - but under this SNP Government, progress has been painfully slow.

"I want to see the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire councils get their fair share, and I'd ask every other local MSP to join with me in calling on John Swinney to do more for the people of the North East."