Murdo Fraser MSP has slammed the SNP-run Perth and Kinross Council and the SNP Government for “economic incompetence” which could mean cuts to many local services, including the possible closure of the Dewars Centre, Perth Leisure Centre and Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth.
The Scottish Conservative politician recently asked the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison, how the SNP Government’s budget for 2024/25 will support the delivery of local services in Mid Scotland and Fife. He asked the Parliamentary Question during Finance and Parliamentary Business in the Chamber at Holyrood.
Speaking during the session, Mr Fraser said: “The SNP Government’s Budget is up in both cash and real terms over the coming year but it has delivered savage cuts to local services. According to COSLA, there has been a cut in core revenue of £62.7 million compared to the current year. In my region, Perth and Kinross Council are closing public toilets, restricting opening hours of recycling centres and there is a real prospect of the Dewars ice rink, Perth Leisure pool and Bell’s Sports Centre all being closed and being replaced by a single-site facility.
“Who do residents in Perth and Kinross blame for these cuts to services? Is it the SNP-run Perth and Kinross Council or the SNP-run Scottish Government? Instead of answering these questions, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance gave her usual response by blaming the UK Government for her party’s own economic incompetence.”
Mr Fraser continued: “We have seen funding cuts to local authorities for years from the SNP Government, but we now have the double whammy of having the SNP running Perth and Kinross Council, and it is obvious they are completely out of their depth. We have seen the SNP waste taxpayers’ money on battling the UK Government over court cases on the constitutional issue and also the blocking of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill.
“In addition, they have overspent their budget to the tune of more than £148 million in the wake of continuing delays in the production Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa ferries being built to serve island communities. So, it is little wonder the SNP Government’s finances are in such a desperate mess. However, it is a real pity that residents in Perth and Kinross are paying the penalty for their actions.”
