Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2012 [Draft]

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 9 February 2012.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of John Mason John Mason Scottish National Party

There is a lot to welcome in the settlement for local government, not least the fact that the share of the Scottish Government budget stays at 37.2 per cent, which is comparable with 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10. Once again, we all agree that we would like to give more to local government, but once again we have heard little from Opposition parties about where that money is to come from.

If Labour and others want to give more to local government, we must assume that they would cut another major part of the Scottish budget, which would presumably be the NHS. Mark Griffin says that if we just pass on all the cuts automatically, there would be £1 billion more for local government. That would therefore mean £1 billion less for the health service, so I assume that it is Labour policy to sack nurses and doctors and close Lightburn hospital, among other things.

One of the SNP’s key successes has involved the concordat, the end of ring fencing and better relationships with local authorities. The single outcome agreements have helped to move the focus from resources input to outcomes achieved. I remember from my time in Glasgow City Council and COSLA that there were endless complaints from councillors of all parties that there was far too much dictation from central Government and too much ring fencing. Local authorities often know what is best for their local areas.