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Council finance chiefs warn vital services could be 'stopped' due to funding crisis

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Every council finance director in the country has warned the Scottish Government services may be stopped over a £1bn funding crisis.In an “unprecedented” letter, they also claimed there is not a “path” for local authorities to deliver balanced budgets next year.Acting Finance Secretary John Swinney will this month deliver what is expected to be one of the most difficult budgets in the history of devolution due to rising inflation and funding staff salary rises.Labour MSP Daniel Johnson said: “This damning letter lays bare the damage the SNP have inflicted on local services. “The SNP have been a conveyor belt of austerity for years, raiding local budgets to pay for their vanity projects – and now there is nothing left to cut."In a letter to Swinney signed by all 32 council finance directors, they flagged up the “significant and concerning” financial picture.They said the current year was difficult enough due to pay deals and other factors, but warned 2023/24 would be even tougher.“The situation for next year and beyond is unprecedented.

Local Government is facing over £1bn of pressures in 2023-24 with Councils now facing tough choices that will impact the services that the public rely upon.“Such considerations include those relating to schools, waste, roads, family support, public health, and social care.“The choices come down to reducing services, stopping services and ultimately, reducing the number of jobs.

This is bad news for individuals, families, communities and economies across Scotland.”They added: “At our Directors of Finance meeting last week it was evident that there is not a path to delivering balanced budgets.”The finance gurus said councils are crucial in tackling child poverty, the climate crisis,

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