Hansard

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 ...