The SNP leader in Fife has warned of more cuts to services because of an “overall reduction” in the council’s funding.
David Alexander’s party colleagues in the Scottish Government have celebrated funding increases for local government in 2019-20 following last week’s Budget.
Analysis by The Courier shows next year’s general revenue grants for Tayside and Fife councils – the main pot for delivering services – will fall by a total of £43 million.
An alternative measure shows the total grant for the day-to-day spending in Courier Country will increase by £18m.
But that includes ring-fenced money and new responsibilities for councils, such as extending free childcare hours and the implementation of Frank’s Law.
Mr Alexander, the co-leader of Fife Council, which is jointly run by Labour and the SNP, said: “We have savings to make but we have also been given additional money which, while ring-fenced, is very welcome.
“Our overall reduction is similar to the Scottish Government reduction from Westminster.
“So far, no political parties have sat down seriously and talked to the Scottish Government about options.
“Until they do – and put forward their own ideas – any criticism needs to be seen in that light.
“We can balance the budget with this settlement.”
The overall size of the local government settlement, which includes day-to-day and project budgets, is listed by the government as £11.2 billion.
Finance Minister Derek Mackay says that is a 2% real terms increase of £210m on the previous year.
That figure includes extra cash for councils to meet centrally-pledged new commitments on areas like business rates and the extension of social and child care services.
Cosla said this week the “real impact” of the settlement across Scotland is a £237m cut, leading to “substantial job losses”.
Gail Macgregor, from Cosla, said: “This is a severe cut to the core budget that provides the vast majority of our essential services.”
Public finance minister Kate Forbes said: “The Scottish Government guarantees funding to local authorities which includes the General Revenue Grant and Non Domestic Rate Income.
“Angus, Dundee City, Fife, and Perth and Kinross Councils will all get increased funding compared to 2018-19.
“We continue to ensure that our partners in local government receive a fair funding settlement despite further cuts to the Scottish Budget from the UK Government.”
