Hyslop Welcomes £5.396m Budget Boost for West Lothian
Local Constituency MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the news that West Lothian Council will receive an extra £5.396m funding under the revised budget proposals unveiled this afternoon (Jan 31st) by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay.
The budget boost comes as the Scottish Government confirmed that all local authorities will receive an above inflation increase in resource funding. The SNP 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, Fiona said;
“Thanks to the decisions made by the Scottish Government, West Lothian will see an above inflation rise in their revenue funding – with an extra £5.396 to spend on local services.
“These are real progressive tax reforms that are backed by the public 2:1 and deliver a great deal for public services and local taxpayers across my constituency.
“Cuts to public services is a common concern from my constituents. In the face of massive Westminster cuts, the Scottish Government is using its powers progressively to invest in our schools, our hospitals and our communities and I am pleased that West Lothian will receive this significant increase in investment for the things that matter most to us.”
ENDS