Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 15 January 2025
15 Jan 2025 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Portfolio Question Time
Budget 2025-26 (Support for Rural Communities)
Finance and Local Government
First, the funding formula is agreed with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the 32 organisations that compose local government. Therein lies the rather big challenge in relation to changes to any funding formula.
I would note, however, that the funding floor provides an opportunity to address and recognise changes to census data, for example. I took the decision to amend the funding floor for 2025-26 in recognition of that.
In 2025-26, Aberdeenshire Council will receive £615.3 million to fund local services, which is an extra £42.5 million, or an additional 7.4 per cent, compared with 2024-25. All councils are also getting additional capital funding. I am always keen to talk to local authorities—
In the same item of business
6. Maggie Chapman (North East Scotland) (Green)
Green
To ask the Scottish Government how its draft budget 2025-26 will support local authorities to better serve rural communities, such as those in Aberdeenshire ...
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government (Shona Robison)
SNP
In 2025-26, local authorities in the north-east of Scotland will receive £1.79 billion, as part of our record £15 billion settlement to fund local services a...
Maggie Chapman
Green
I have been contacted by Aberdeenshire constituents who are very concerned about the low per capita funding that the council receives. Maintenance of transpo...
Shona Robison
SNP
First, the funding formula is agreed with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the 32 organisations that compose local government. Therein lies t...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
Briefly.
Shona Robison
SNP
—about any reforms and changes that they want to make, and I would be happy to have that discussion with Aberdeenshire Council.
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
I will take a brief supplementary from Alexander Burnett.
Alexander Burnett (Aberdeenshire West) (Con)
Con
Scottish National Party cuts have now created an eye-watering £26 million black hole for Aberdeenshire Council, which is part of what Audit Scotland calls a ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
Question.
Alexander Burnett
Con
—now need to be replaced, which councils simply cannot afford. Huntly is even looking to put lamp posts—
The Deputy Presiding Officer
LD
I need a question, Mr Burnett.
Alexander Burnett
Con
—into community ownership. Will the cabinet secretary today promise to fight for a fair settlement for councils, or is she happy to see communities plunged ...
Shona Robison
SNP
Local government is getting a fair settlement of £1 billion of extra funding—which is exactly the same figure that Alexander Burnett and his party would cut ...