Greens secure extra cash for Argyll and Bute Council

The Scottish Greens deal with the SNP on the Scottish Government Budget last week has secured an additional £3.5 million for Argyll and Bute Council.

John Finnie MSP

The Greens agreed to back the Budget proposals if extra funding was secured for local authorities across Scotland. Ministers have also agreed to a timescale for replacing the Council Tax system.

Highlands and Islands Green MSP John Finnie said: “The public rely on local services such as schools and social care, and local facilities such as sports centres and libraries. The Green budget deal means that Argyll and Bute Council now has an additional £3.5m to protect these services and the jobs of front line workers.

“It’s welcome that after consistent Green pressure the SNP Government has seen sense and committed to immediate action and longer-term reform.

“Scottish Greens will always be firm but constructive in these situations.

“Scrapping the Tories’ Council Tax is a historic victory. All parties now have an opportunity to help bring about a fairer system of funding essential local services. On top of recent reforms to Income Tax, today’s deal shows yet again Scottish Greens are leading the change, making Scotland the fairer country we know we can be.”