More support for Hospices, Local Care and GP services – and Council funding – Liberal Democrat successes in Scottish budget
£1 million more for hospices, extra funding for social care, investment in local GP services to make it easier to see a doctor, more funding for additional support needs to help pupils and their teachers – and more funding for Council services. These are the highlights of the deal struck by Liberal Democrat MSPs with the Scottish Government on its Budget.
Rutherglen Councillor Robert Brown, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on the Council welcomed the achievement of his MSP colleagues.
Robert Brown said:
“The Scottish Parliament, like the Council, has no majority for any party so it is necessary and sensible for the Liberal Democrats to negotiate with the Scottish Government to get the best deal for our communities. I think they have done a great job this year with some big wins. These include:
- £1m more for hospices
- Extra funding for social care.
- Additional funding for local healthcare to make it easier to see a GP or NHS dentist.
- Funding for new specialist support across the country for Long Covid, ME, Chronic Fatigue and other similar conditions.
- Funding to build more affordable homes
- More money for local council services.
- More money for additional support needs to help pupils and their teachers.
- £3.5m so that colleges can deliver the skills our economy and public services need, with new programmes focused on care and offshore wind to create a pipeline of skilled workers.
As a result, Liberal Democrat priorities will now be backed by hundreds of millions worth of government investment.
From a South Lanarkshire perspective, I think local people will particularly welcome the funding for hospices, GP services and social care and, whilst the final detail of the Local Government settlement is awaited, extra funding is vital to protect and enhance council services.
This budget shows that by backing the Liberal Democrats you get a focus on the issues that matter the most.”