MCINNES: SNP FUNDING SETTLEMENT MEANS DIFFICULT CHOICES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

12.00.00am GMT Thu 18th Feb 2010

Commenting on a report by Audit Scotland that highlights competing pressures on resources mean difficult choices for councils, the Liberal Democrat spokeswoman for Local Government, Alison McInnes said:

"The SNP expect local governments to be able to provide more services with less money. The SNP need to be called to account on how they expect local governments to do this.

"The tight financial settlement provided by the SNP is forcing local authorities across Scotland to make cuts to frontline services.

"It would be a travesty if the good work accomplished by local authorities is undermined.

"This report acts as a reminder that the First Minister and the SNP government cannot centralise policies and then localise the blame."

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