South Lanarkshire leader says councils are "making progress" on budget funding

dailyrecord.co.uk:

South Lanarkshire council leader Joe Fagan says there are “reasons to be optimistic” about the year ahead as the authority prepares to set its budget for 2025-26 – while encouraging residents to take part in the ongoing consultation on potential savings options.The local authority is set to receive a total allocation of £805.8 million for the new financial year from the Scottish Government, an increase of £63.2m or 8.5 per cent from the previous 12 months.Councillor Fagan says the total sum includes ring-fenced funds and therefore “the headline figures do not tell us what the real impact of the Scottish budget will be on local councils”, but says further updates for elected members are expected in committee papers this month.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 He told residents in a new year video message: “There are grounds to believe that things will get better in 2025.

Your council still has difficult budget decisions to make and we are looking for your help to make them through our budget consultation.

The choices aren’t easy but might not be just as hard as in the recent past. “The picture for public spending is improving across the UK.