The SNP-led Administration on Angus Council has seen our Budget proposals pass at the Special meeting held on Thursday 27th February.
The SNP-led Administration’s plans, backed by 15 of Angus’ 28 councillors, include:
A £1 million Angus Public Infrastructure Fund which can leverage investment of up to £20 million for capital projects.
Protecting all public libraries, swimming pools and ACCESS offices from closure.
Completely scrapping the previous Tory-Independent Administration’s hated town centre car parking charges.
Investment of £1.6 million in vital repairs at Arbroath Harbour to protect its viability.
£1.5 million over the next three years to support the Council's graduate and modern apprenticeship scheme.
An increase of £7.45 million on roads maintenance over four years.
Extra investment to keep parks and communities clean.
Allocating £100,000 to renew the Council’s Holiday Food and Fun programme, helping our most vulnerable families.
A major plan for improving housing in Angus - after we set up a standalone Housing Committee to oversee housing policy.
Restoration of general waste services for Brechin.
Funding to complete the £66.5 million Monifieth Learning Campus, due to open later this year – on time and on budget.
Rejoining Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce to promote business ties and tourism.
Additional funding for community councils to ensure they can stand up for local residents.
Protecting staff working to tackle climate change and improve climate resilience.
Despite a rise of 11% this year, Angus Council Tax rates are the fifth lowest in mainland Scotland. For a Band D property, this means an increase of £144.84 in 2025/26.
This significant increase was necessary due to over a decade of Tory austerity, as well as Labour’s punitive Employers’ National Insurance hike – which accounts for over a third of the rise (4% Council Tax rise after Scottish Government compensation).
This was yet another challenging Budget to balance, however we have protected our most vital frontline services – despite over a decade of austerity at a UK level. Additional money from the Scottish Government (including a 55% compensation for Labour’s ENICs hike) made the task much easier.
Both Opposition groups proposed similar Council Tax rises (9.5% and 9%), while the kicking the can down the road on £450,000 of vital services, and keeping car parking charges on the table - only suspending them for another year.
The Tories even wanted to slash funding completely for the Council's Holiday Food and Fun scheme, which supports low-income families right across Angus in challenging times.
The Council faces continued challenges ahead; not least improving local infrastructure and dealing with the increasingly damaging effects of climate change.
Decisions we have taken in this Budget do however mean that we are able to make significant investments in the future of Angus – and we will continue to work hard to deliver on the trust placed in the SNP by local voters.
See my contribution to the Budget meeting below:
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