£4.7 MILLION BUDGET BOOST FOR DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY

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Dumfries and Galloway Council will receive an extra £4.767 million funding under the revised budget proposals unveiled by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay.

Funding for local government as a whole is increasing, but as some funding is yet to be distributed for 2018-19 it is not possible at this stage to say that every local authority is receiving an above inflation increase.

The SNP-led budget will give Scots the best deal in the UK – with investment in public services and a tax cut for lower earners.

Under the progressive tax reforms 70% of taxpayers will pay less than last year, while higher earners will face a modest increase.

These tax changes will allow the Scottish Government to increase health spending by £400 million to £13.6 billion, lift the public sector pay cap and provide a package of investment in the economy.

Commenting, SNP MSP Emma Harper said:

“The draft budget shows that where Scotland has the power, the SNP will take a different, fairer approach – and give Scots the best deal in the UK.

“Thanks to the decisions made by the Scottish Government, local government funding is increasing by inflation today – and Dumfries and Galloway Council have been given an extra £4.767 million to spend on local services.

“That’s a good deal for taxpayers and for public services in Dumfries and Galloway – and is only possible because of the SNP’s progressive tax reforms, that are backed by the public by 2 to 1.

“In the face of massive Westminster cuts, the Scottish Government is using its powers progressively to invest in our schools and our hospitals – and in communities across Dumfries and Galloway.”