THE leader of Argyll and Bute Council has given a strong hint that services for children and young people will be spared the axe when the authority’s spending plans are set on Thursday.
Proposals to axe school crossing patrols and remove hours for pupil support assistants sparked a storm of protest from parents in Helensburgh and elsewhere when they were first made public in October.
And though those cuts remain on the table as councillors prepare for the authority’s annual budget meeting in Lochgilphead on February 27, leader Aileen Morton has pledged the authority wants to “do everything we possibly can” to protect the services people have said are most important to them.
Cllr Morton said: “In many ways this budget is even harder than previous years. Yet again the Scottish Government has cut our funding for core services – and that means yet again we’re having to look at making some very difficult decisions.
“Despite that, we want to do everything we possibly can to protect services that our communities tell us they care most about, particularly those that impact on our children and young people.
“That’s a key priority area for us in this budget.”
A report to Thursday's meeting also asks councillors to approve a 3 per cent rise in council tax – but says this would effectively mean a rise of 4.84 per cent in cash terms.
Cllr Morton added: “This administration has always faced up to difficult decision-making as positively as we can, and this year is no different.
“We’ll build on our proven track record of careful financial planning to deliver a budget that safeguards as far as possible vital services.
“We’ll also be looking to invest in the future where we can, both to make a contribution to wider strategic challenges as well as stimulating local growth.
READ MORE: Council's leader slams Scottish Government over proposed funding for Argyll and Bute
“We know that there’s more challenge to come in the years ahead, unless the Scottish Government listens to local government and starts providing the fair funding settlement we so desperately need.
“The decisions we take today will have an impact tomorrow and that’s been at the forefront of all our budget development.”
Full budget coverage in the March 5 print edition of the Advertiser and online.
READ MORE: Catch up with all the latest Helensburgh and Lomond news headlines here
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