12 February 2010

Smith comments on Council's budget

The City of Edinburgh Council yesterday announced its budget for the forthcoming year. Commenting, Margaret Smith MSP for Edinburgh West, said:

“I welcome the fact that the Council has done all it could to protect frontline education and care services. I lobbied hard for education funding to be shielded as much as possible and it looks like Councillors have listened.

“Nevertheless, pressure from the UK Government along with the effects of recession meant that the Council had to make significant cutbacks.

“Given the scale of budget cuts needed it was impossible for the Council to put forward a spending plan which didn’t hurt. But, I think the Council needs to be commended for its work in protecting much of the funding for education and services for our most vulnerable members of society.”