Emma Roddick MSP welcomes £10.2 million investment in local services

Emma Roddick MSP has highlighted the record funding going to Orkney after the Scottish Budget was passed at Holyrood this week, providing a £1 billion increase in funding to local authorities.

After the budget received cross-party support – despite Labour and Tory MSPs sitting on their hands – Orkney is set to receive an increase in funding worth over ten million, bringing the settlement up to £107.1m.

This increases funding for local priorities, teachers, and additional support for learning, and to tackle the climate emergency. It also facilitates pay increases agreed for our teachers, social care workers, refuse collectors, and more.

Commenting, Emma Roddick MSP said:

“This year’s Scottish Budget provides record funding for Orkney which will help deliver the services people rely on and ensure our community gets the investment it needs. “After over a decade of austerity and a Labour tax hike which is set to cost councils £100 million, our local authorities have been repeatedly betrayed by Westminster parties. “Under the SNP, we are not only investing in the isles but we are mitigating the impact of Westminster decisions, to the tune of £144 million for the National Insurance hike alone.”

“This SNP government is delivering for Orkney, and I am pleased parliament has backed this budget to ensure that continues.”