BUDGET GETS HOLYROOD BACKING WITH BOOST FOR LOCAL SERVICES

SNP SUPPORT INCREASE IN INVESTMENT IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN
 
Holyrood has backed the SNP’s budget plans, offering economic stability in the face of Brexit while giving a cash boost to the NHS, schools and other vital services.
 
Despite Westminster cuts of almost £2 billion in a decade to Scotland’s block resource grant, the SNP is proposing additional funding of almost £730 million for Scotland’s health and care services – including £57.2M for NHS Lothian.
 
Under the deal reached, Midlothian Council will receive an additional £8.08M and East Lothian Council will receive an additional £3.91M from the Scottish Government on top of its share of a total overall local authority settlement of £11.1bn.
 
The budget also includes more than £180 million to raise attainment in schools, and almost £500 million for the expansion of early learning and childcare.
 
SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“With the UK government in complete chaos, the SNP in government are offering certainty and stability with a budget which protects public services, supports the economy, and helps build a fairer country.
 
“This budget uses our powers in a progressive way in order to protect and invest in our public services – with a major boost for the NHS.
 
“Giving our schools, hospitals and other vital services in Midlothian and East Lothian the money they need to deliver better services for our communities is vital to this government. This is why I welcome Holyrood’s support for the budget.”