Pass all the cash on to councils, Eagle urges Holyrood
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The leader of the Conservatives in Moray has called on Holyrood not to 'ringfence' cash which is needed by the council.
Councillor Tim Eagle (Buckie ward) says the UK Government has announced an additional £1.6billion for councils in England to provide protection to businesses and individuals.
As a result of that the consequential to Scotland is £155million in funding.
Councillor Eagle said: "The UK Government have really stepped up in the offers of support they have given during the COVID-19 outbreak, something which shows the great strength we have as a united nation.
"Following calls that councils were struggling it released more money.
"As a result the Scottish Government now has £155million more in its pockets.
"We have struggled in Moray for years with severe underfunding from the Scottish Government and this national emergency is consuming huge amounts of resources.
"The council is unable to access things like the furlough scheme which means we continue to incur pretty much full costs whilst losing vital income and having to pay for a range of unexpected items.
"It is absolutely vital the Scottish Government do not keep this money for themselves.
"The full amount needs to be passed onto councils for them to spend on vital frontline services.
Cllr Eagle who will be contesting the Richard Lochhead's seat at Holyrood next year, continued: "Nicola Sturgeon and her SNP colleagues have a terrible habit of ring-fencing funds but this gift of £155million is only because of the need to support councils.
"The full amount must be passed on as soon as possible to the 32 local authorities across Scotland."
"This is a national crisis. Just at the point we thought Moray had a brighter future COVID-19 hit.
"As we come out from this crisis we will need everything we have to ensure we protect and enhance our communities and our local economies.
"This money must be passed on."
Click here for more news from Moray
