Moray Labour urge MSPs to put local services above ministerial positions by voting against Scottish Government's proposed budget

MORAY Labour has written to local MSPs representing the Moray Council area, urging them to vote against the Scottish Government's proposed budget.

The letter, sent by Councillor Sandy Keith, claims that the budget is "inadequate" adding that it threatens public services that Moray Council is working to sustain.

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead and Highlands and Islands list MSP Emma Roddick both hold ministerial office and would have to resign to oppose the budget.

However, Cllr Keith argues that the "personal sacrifice" is worth it, adding that "the preservation of local services matter more".

Cllr Keith said: "I know this means a personal sacrifice for those of you who hold ministerial office and would have to resign if defying the government whip.

"However, I am sure you will agree that the preservation of local services matters more.

"The Scottish Budget is an attack on local services and facilities and the only way to prevent it is to deny the government a majority for their incoherent and harmful council spending plans."

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead, responding to Cllr Keith's letter, said the Scottish Government is facing the "toughest budget in the history of devolution" adding that the UK Government has failed to deliver the funds needed to invest in public services.

He said: "Despite the challenging financial situation facing Scottish ministers, the proposed budget will ensure local government is given a real terms increase in funding.

“I recognise the pressure facing the wider public sector but these pressures are driven by decisions taken by the UK Chancellor, as well as high inflation and the impact of Brexit.

"Labour councillors in Moray would be better placed writing to their Tory MP and Leader of the Conservatives in Scotland urging him to use any influence he might have to persuade his UK Government colleagues to change tack and invest more in all public services."

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