East Lothian Council is the first in Scotland to agree a 10% council tax increase after a cross party budget passed.
Conservatives didn’t support the budget. Councillor Hampshire was surprised by their decision, considering they participated in budget discussions earlier.
Band D households will pay £1,579.18 annually, up from £1,435.62. The tax increase should bring £9 million for services.
Locals want service investment, not cuts, said Hampshire. They are willing to pay more for good services, and adult social care will get £3.89 million more.
Children’s services will receive an extra £2.75 million, and education gets £1.9 million. Homelessness and supported housing will each get £800,000.
Enjoy Leisure and the Brunton Theatre Trust get £200,000 each. People asked for the Musselburgh day center to reopen, as services closed last year.
Officials said reopening the day center is a priority, recognizing a significant need for that service. The Scottish Government gave extra funding, including £7.5 million with no specific restrictions.
The government covered 60% of a UK National Insurance increase. The council paid the rest, helping balance the budget along with the tax.
Services must still save £900,000 in the coming year. Hampshire welcomed the cross-party approach, highlighting the need to protect vulnerable residents’ services.
He also stated they need to invest in children’s education. He believes they delivered what people wanted.
SNP leader Lyn Jardine sees parties working together as mature. She said communities expect teamwork facing challenges, and it’s key to fight poverty.
Local politicians face difficult decisions, trying to meet expectations with less money. She wants collaboration across parties and communities.
Councillor McGuire wanted alternative savings, suggesting cutting area partnerships and union subsidies. He said the budget hurts families.
Seventeen councillors approved it, while McGuire, Findlay, Bruce, and Collins voted against it.