AN independent report has concluded that councils in both Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire will face cuts to their core revenue grant funding under the Scottish Government’s Budget plans.

Analysis published by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) indicates a 3.2 per cent reduction in Renfrewshire, with a cut of 3.1 per cent for East Renfrewshire.

Announcing the Budget, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said there would be “a real terms increase in revenue and capital funding and an overall real terms increase in the total local government settlement.”

However, when looking specifically at the non-ringfenced funding available for councils, there are falls in revenue for both Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.

Councillor Gail Macgregor, resources spokeswoman for Cosla, which is the umbrella organisation representing all of Scotland’s councils, said: “This independent report from SPICe casts aside any doubt on Cosla’s interpretation of the Budget.

“Sadly, the report clearly demonstrates the erosion of local government’s core revenue budget. It demonstrates that we are right to have a genuine concern about the impact this Budget will have on essential services.”

The Gazette:

John Shaw says Renfrewshire Council is committed to improving services in the area 

Councillor John Shaw, convener of Renfrewshire’s finance, resources and customer services policy board, said work on the council’s final budget position is ongoing.

He added: “Like all Scottish councils, we face significant challenges balancing increasing and changing demand on our essential services but this SNP administration is committed to improving our schools, roads, housing and other key services, despite the austerity measures imposed by the Tories over several years.”

A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said details of the Budget are still being analysed in a bid to establish how it will impact the area.

He continued: “Whilst the current figures indicate a cut in funding to core services, the exact settlement we receive will not be known until the Scottish Parliament final budget debate on February 21.”