Biagi hails Swinney's extra cash for city

EDINBURGH Central SNP MSP Marco Biagi has welcomed Finance Secretary John Swinney's confirmation of extra cash funding for Edinburgh.

In response to a question from Mr Biagi, Mr Swinney said the Scottish Government would go ahead with its plan, announced during the election campaign, to set a funding "floor" for local authorities so that no council receives less than 85 per cent of the average.

Edinburgh currently receives 82 per cent, or 1661 per head, compared with the all-Scotland figure of 2008. It would stand to benefit by 22m.

Mr Biagi said: "This early commitment to deliver on a promise made to the people of Edinburgh is great news for the city.

"The services funded by the council are under enormous pressure. Extra funding needs to go straight to the front line.

"The council also needs certainty so that it can plan for next year, and I am glad to have secured this from the Cabinet Secretary.

"I hope the council will be able to give a commitment that this money will not be sunk into the black hole of the tram line project."