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
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 from the budget. If we listened to the Tories in this place, local government would not be getting any extra money, because there would be £1 billion less because of unfunded, unaffordable tax cuts.
I say to Alexander Burnett, and to any other Tory members, that they cannot come and ask for more money in this place when they want to cut the budget; let alone that they will not support this budget, which will provide £1 billion of extra support for local government.
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 ...