Meeting of the Parliament 26 February 2026 [Draft]
There are other rural authorities that do not have double-figure increases.
I must move on. The Government recognises the financial challenges that local authorities in Scotland—indeed, the whole public sector—are facing. We accept those. The fiscal constraints that we share emphasise the urgent need to focus on improving the delivery of public services that are designed around the needs and interests of the people and communities of Scotland. The budget bill that the Parliament passed yesterday ensures that the total funding from the Scottish Government to local government next year will be increased both in cash terms and in real terms. The order confirms the distribution to individual councils, and the proposals reflect the crucial role that local authorities and their employees continue to play in our communities.
I move,
That the Parliament agrees that the Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2026 [draft] be approved.