RENFREWSHIRE'S school pupils could benefit from a major new school investment programme if councillors agree a budget for the year ahead today.
If the SNP minitory administration's proposals are approved, an additional £29million will be earmarked for investment in school buildings, benefiting pupils for generations to come. The funding will also unlock additional investment from the Scottish Government’s £1billion schools infrastructure programme from 2021.
A five-year £40million programme of roads, cycleway and path improvements will also be put forward as part of the plans.
However, as revealed by The Gazette, the administration faces a fight to pass its budget with Labour set to introduce a rival budget plan for Renfrewshire.
READ MORE: SNP face fight to force through Renfrewshire Council budget
Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “The proposals we’re putting forward today if approved, will ensure a major multi-million-pound investment in our schools and our local roads network.
“Unlocking this major investment for our schools and local roads will deliver a budget for Renfrewshire’s growth, both now and in the future. We want to make this investment in our pupils and in our economy, so that when our school children are making choices about their future, they can take advantage of the training and employment opportunities we are investing in now through our Glasgow City Deal investment and wider regeneration plans.”
The Scottish Government recently announced it was providing local authorities with the flexibility to extend council tax increases beyond the previous 3% cap to a maximum of 4.79%. If agreed by councillors today, this would see an additional £1.3million secured for investment in schools and roads.
READ MORE: A quick guide to the three who could decide Renfrewshire Council's budget
The council is also pledging not to introduce the workplace parking tax levy.
Councillor John Shaw, Finance, Resources and Customer Services Convener, said: “Councils face huge challenges in how they manage their budgets to ensure we continue to deliver the services people rely on as well as invest for the longer term. Since 2010-11 we have delivered more than £100million of savings and managed our budgets efficiently. However, with the increase in demand for our services, we face difficult choices in the years ahead.
“We believe this budget recognises the issues that are important to our communities as well as investing in Renfrewshire for the longer term. By maximising the resources available to us we can deliver our ambitions to support business growth, open up training and employment opportunities, invest in our schools and communities and care for the most vulnerable in our society.”
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