We secure historic deal to protect council services
Ahead of this afternoon's Stage One vote at Holyrood on the Budget, the Scottish Greens can confirm that they have secured significant additional funds from the Scottish Government to protect local council services such as schools and social care.
Analysis by the Scottish Parliament's Information Centre, comparing last year's draft budget with this year's shows a drop in local authority funds. In discussions with ministers, Green MSPs proposed a range of ways to close the gap, including using new powers over income tax for high earners.
Mr Mackay will give details to Parliament during this afternoon's Budget debate and the agreement will be published.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Greens said:
“A substantial package of funding for local councils to spend on local priorities is welcome. Opposition parties have a responsibility to make a difference, and that’s exactly what the Greens are doing.”