North Lanarkshire Council’s newly appointed finance convener, Councillor Andrew Duffy-Lawson, has formally reached out to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Shona Robison, in pursuit of a fair funding deal for the local authority. In a letter addressed to the Finance Secretary, Councillor Duffy-Lawson underscored the adverse effects of Scottish Government cuts on North Lanarkshire and highlighted the projected budget gap of £100 million by 2029/30.
Expressing his concerns, Councillor Duffy-Lawson emphasized the urgency of finding a solution to avoid the looming budget gap and to ensure that North Lanarkshire Council receives equitable financial support. He also voiced apprehensions over the possibility of Scottish councils facing a fate similar to their English counterparts, such as Nottingham, Birmingham, and Woking councils, which all faced financial insolvency in 2023. The councillor called for a collaborative effort to address the issues at hand and advocated for prioritizing the best interests of North Lanarkshire residents, transcending political affiliations.
In response to Councillor Duffy-Lawson’s letter, a spokesperson from the Scottish Government acknowledged the receipt of the correspondence and assured that the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government will provide a timely response. The Scottish Government defended its commitment to local authorities, citing a real-terms increase of 2.5 per cent in funding provided to councils this year, amounting to over £14 billion. Moreover, it was stated that North Lanarkshire Council is set to receive £824.2 million to fund local services in 2024-25, representing an additional £44.5 million to support the council’s local priorities.
As negotiations with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) will determine future budget allocations for local government, the outcomes of these discussions will be formalized in upcoming Scottish Budgets. The Scottish Government emphasized its dedication to working in collaboration with local authorities to address financial challenges and uphold the delivery of essential public services.
Councillor Duffy-Lawson’s initiative to engage in constructive dialogue with the Scottish Government reflects the Council’s commitment to securing adequate funding to safeguard essential services and mitigate the impact of potential budget shortfalls. With an unwavering resolve to advocate for the residents of North Lanarkshire, the Council seeks to navigate these financial uncertainties through collaboration and effective decision-making.
In conclusion, the proactive approach taken by Councillor Duffy-Lawson in addressing the financial concerns of North Lanarkshire Council underscores the significance of meaningful engagement between local authorities and the Scottish Government. As discussions progress, it is imperative that the best interests of the communities are prioritized, ensuring the sustained well-being of residents and the effective delivery of essential public services.