Lanarkshire council calls for extra funding to meet national insurance cost

dailyrecord.co.uk:

North Lanarkshire Council's administration is demanding an additional £4m from the Scottish Government to meet the cost of a forthcoming national insurance increase.The local authority insists the UK government has provided extra money to Holyrood to fund the 1.25 per cent increase in staff costs from April, but that it has not been passed on in next year’s settlement for local authorities.Council leader Jim Logue says it will impact frontline services - but Scottish Government officials say the block grant does not include ring-fenced funding for national insurance.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android The country’s 32 council leaders last month signed a letter insisting their funding was being cut by £371m in real terms, and they say the higher cost to employers arising from the national insurance increase is among the “key issues”.Councillor Logue and counterparts from across Scotland are due to meet Nicola Sturgeon this month and plan to “raise objections about their cash settlement” for the 2022/2023 financial year.NLC is due to receive £719.4m for the 12 months ahead, with neighbouring South Lanarkshire being allocated £651.9m.

Airdrie Central representative Councillor Logue said: “As it stands, the budget settlement makes no provision for the new burden of the national insurance contribution