Administration Budget passes

15 February 2010

The Council has approved the LibDem/SNP Coalition’s Budget for 2010/2011. It reflects the need for the Council to achieve savings of £30 million this year while maintaining essential services. At the same time, the Council’s reserves (its “rainy day fund”) continue to be restored towards a sensible level at the rate of £2 million each year, after the previous administration had run them down almost to zero.

Some £5 million of extra money has been provided to the City’s schools, with the savings reduction required in their devolved budgets restricted to just 1%. £250,000 has again been found for supplies and services.

Key points for West Edinburgh:

• Remainder of funding for the Drumbrae library complex approved – this new building will now form a local hub for Council services, including a day centre and the Neighbourhood office;
• Nearly £2 million has been provided for the extension to Corstorphine Primary School;
• A care home will be built on the site of the Drum Brae primary school.

Finance Convener Cllr Phil Wheeler comments: “This is a serious responsible budget for serious times; it is balanced and sustainable. Despite the current difficult financial situation, the Council is managing to deliver the services our citizens require, while still making considerable savings across the board. The Budget has achieved these aims while still minimising the impact on our more vulnerable citizens of all ages.”

At a subsequent meeting to approve grants to Third Party bodies, the Administration proposals also passed. Those approved included continued financial support for the Munro Community Centre at Parkgrove and the Tall Oaks Youth Club.