Perth and Kinross Conservatives have slammed the SNP Government after data has revealed that the region is fifth bottom for receiving local government funding.
The latest figures have been published and they show a marked disparity for residents living on opposite sides of the street. Perth and Kinross Conservatives feel that the lack of funding is having an impact on retaining jobs and services.
Commenting, Roz McCall MSP said: “This data reveals a huge difference in local authority funding, which I’m sure will anger many residents. You have the example of people who live in Invergowrie being almost £300 per person worse off than their neighbours living directly across the road in Dundee.
“And there is a similar situation in Blairingone, in Kinross-shire, where residents there are almost £200 worse off then neighbours in Clackmannanshire. It is totally ridiculous.”
And Leader of the Conservative Group on Perth and Kinross Council, Councillor John Duff, added: "Perth and Kinross Council is fifth bottom of the table for local government funding receiving £2,456 per head of population.
“Leaving aside the island authorities, there is a difference of £821 between the lowest (Edinburgh) and the highest (West Dunbartonshire) and over £100 less than our neighbours in Angus, Fife, Stirling and Dundee.
"Bringing Perth and Kinross up to the average would mean a further £64 per head of population, equivalent to an additional £9.74million for our local authority and virtually eliminating the need for the SNP's planned 9.5% increase in next year's Council Tax. “
Councillor Duff continued: "Given the financial hardship which Perth and Kinross Council is facing, the Scottish Government should look again at the distribution of these finances and give our area a fairer crack of the whip. Every £1 increase would give us over £150,000 in additional income, allowing us to retain jobs and services which will otherwise come under threat."
