Local SNP MSP Derek Mackay has welcomed Renfrewshire Council’s new budget for the coming year.


Some of the highlights include; a freeze on all charges for council services, a major programme to tackle youth unemployment in Renfrewshire, and the introduction of a minimum living wage of £7.20 for over 700 council employees. Additionally, Renfrewshire’s council tax will be frozen for the fifth successive year leaving the Band D charge unchanged at £1164.69.

Town centre regeneration is one of Renfrewshire Council’s key priorities and 2012/13 will see further development.

A new £100,000 fund is being set up by the council to support activities connected to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Commenting Mr Mackay said;

“The budget meeting is probably the most important meeting the council has all year – it determines what is spend and how it is spent.  It has implications on all the services provided and the numbers of staff employed.

“In the face of Tory imposed cuts from Westminster, Renfrewshire Council has delivered a major achievement.  A shared, positive focus delivered on children, young people and spending will help make a decisive difference.  Looking after the next generation is exactly the kind of focus that Renfrewshire needs right now what with the social and economic challenges it faces.

“The budget will bring £7.8m new spending in the revenue budget and £41m new capital investment in facilities and infrastructure, and squarely address the impact of the recession by putting in place practical measures to support families and communities.

“It is a sign of Renfrewshire Council’s responsible approach that we had a £3m surplus this year.

“They are bringing forward a wide range of practical proposals to boost jobs, work closely with businesses, promote town centre regeneration and improve schools, the environment and roads.

“To ensure that services are maintained I hope to see every service maximising efficiency - working in new ways to get the greatest benefit from every pound.

“If we had access to Scotland’s immense resources we could do so much more; but with the tools at our disposal we can get Renfrewshire through these tough times – and this is definitely a budget which delivers.”

Note:

Renfrewshire’s  £410.5m revenue budget for 2012-13 and £120 million three-year non-housing capital investment programme features:

·        a £2.5million programme to tackle youth unemployment will aim to deliver over 250 new jobs through employment subsidies, with another 1300 young people securing training and 800 being given the chance to develop their skills and so increase their chance of securing employment

·        a freeze in charges for council services and use of council facilities

·        £600,000 to introduce a minimum living wage of £7.20 per hour for over 700 lower paid council employees

·        £5.6m investment on roads and pavement resurfacing – the council’s biggest ever single year investment on roads

·        confirmed funding for a new Johnstone Town hall and civic hub - details of which will be finalised in the next few months

·        £1.5m to boost community safety and improve access to town centres including new  CCTV for Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew town centres and improved street lighting in Paisley town centre

·        £164,000 to continue enhanced debt advice services

·        £1m extra for computer equipment in education and leisure services

·       £400,000 additional spending on parks and play areas, with £150,000 of that money going to Barshaw Park in Paisley

·       £250,000 to take forward a detailed study and business plan for a major project involving a potential redevelopment of Paisley Town Hall and Museum.

-          Around £10million has been identified for investment in primary schools.