Since the 2022 Council Elections, where the SNP was returned as the largest party in South Lanarkshire (both in terms of vote share and councillors elected), we have been clear in the belief that there was a democratic deficit created by the pact between Labour, the Lib Dems, the Tories, and some independent members. Every year since, we have produced an Alternative Budget for South Lanarkshire, wholly demonstrating our priorities, principles, and the decisions we would have made if we were in Administration.
This year, due to political changes within South Lanarkshire and beyond, we were in a position to instead collaborate on a budget and deliver SNP policies, even from our opposition benches. We did this by passing a budget in council that was co-presented by both Labour and the SNP.
We are aware that this is an unusual step for the leading opposition party to take. While the budget we have co-presented does not represent the totality of our ambitions, or the decisions we would have taken in Administration, we are confident that it builds on the priorities and principles we have displayed in our Alternative Budgets 2023, 24 and 25 and contains many of the same initiatives. Below is some more detail.
Policy Area Breakdown
💷 Additional school budget, devolved to Head Teachers. Trusting school management teams to know best what pupils need.
🖥️ Funding to modernise IT equipment across our school estate.
♿️ Improving & adapting our ASN school estate to meet pupil mobility, personal care & sensory needs.
🏊♀️ Free swimming at SLLC pools for under 16s, all year round.
🏠 Investment in accommodation to enable care-experienced young people to live independently, helping deliver on The Promise.
🏀 Improving/replacing multi-use games areas (MUGAs) to bring them back into use.
📊 Expanded business support grants, quadrupling the available funding.
🏭 Funding for businesses to upgrade and decarbonise existing premises.
💼 Development of commercial spaces to attract industry to South Lanarkshire, driving growth and generating revenue.
🛑 Cancelling cuts and reinstating previous levels of financial support for Citizens Advice Bureaux.
🗣️ Additional, permanent, multi-year investment for the wider third sector. Making South Lanarkshire the best place in Scotland for voluntary organisations to operate.
🛣️ Record investment of £12million in our environment, open spaces & roads-related infrastructure.
🌳 Permanent additional frontline staff to make South Lan look, feel and be better for people and nature.
🦌 Country park master plans for Chatelherault & Calderglen.
🎉 A new Galas & Festivals Fund, replacing existing spend for Christmas light switch-ons, gala days, etc. Expanding the communities & areas able to benefit.
📖 Funding for local communities to celebrate heritage and culture, recognising the role of our libraries and museums.
You must be logged in to post a comment.