West Lothian facing ‘tough decisions’ on council tax after Scottish budget

West Lothian is preparing to make some difficult decisions regarding council tax following the announcement of the Scottish budget. The Council leader, Labour’s Lawrence Fitzpatrick, acknowledged the decision to abandon the tax freeze imposed by Holyrood, giving local authorities the power to set their own tax levels. However, he cautioned that this newfound freedom does not offer a quick fix for the increasing costs faced by councils.

Fitzpatrick emphasised the importance of making tough choices, echoing concerns raised by the head of the Local Government Information Unit in Scotland, who highlighted the financial challenges councils are grappling with. The recommendation earlier this year for a council tax increase in West Lothian indicated the financial strain councils are under, exacerbated by unexpected budget impacts from previous freezes.

The Council leader expressed the need for clarity from the Scottish Government on the funding allocation for West Lothian, citing uncertainties about how much would be available for essential services like homelessness and social care. With most of the funding coming from the Scottish Government, Fitzpatrick stressed the years of underfunding that councils have endured, affecting their financial stability.

Welcoming the decision to allow councils the discretion to adjust council tax rates, Fitzpatrick stressed the importance of respecting the democratic role of local councils in decision-making. He acknowledged the dilemma of balancing the need to fund vital services against the potential strain on local families.

In her budget announcement, SNP Finance Secretary Shona Robison outlined a record funding settlement for Scottish councils, aiming to increase local authority funding by over £1 billion. Despite the additional funding, concerns persist about councils’ ability to maintain services without raising council tax or making cuts.

The challenges faced by local authorities in Scotland underscore the ongoing financial pressures on councils, prompting calls for a comprehensive approach to address the funding gap and ensure the sustainability of essential services.

**Summary:**
West Lothian Council is bracing for tough decisions on council tax post-Scottish budget, with Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick highlighting the challenges of funding essential services amidst financial uncertainties. The shift away from a tax freeze presents councils with the complex task of balancing revenue needs and community impacts, underscoring the ongoing financial strains on local authorities. As councils navigate budget constraints and service demands, the broader issue of sustainable funding for vital services remains a pressing concern in the local governance landscape.