Opposition groups propose council tax increase and ending free tram travel in Edinburgh budget alternatives.
The SNP wants more funding for schools and housing repair work. They believe Labour’s plan lacks fresh ideas and their budget focuses on the wellbeing of residents. They aim to keep transition teachers funded and propose using COVID relief money for this.
They wish to continue the Holiday Hubs scheme too. The Greens want large investments in travel, housing, and charities. They propose wanting a steep ten percent council tax hike to fund their ideas effectively.
Labour will likely partner with Conservatives and Liberal Democrats together. The Liberal Democrats prioritize education and road safety and, like the SNP, they worry about cutting teacher funding. They want to save transition teacher jobs and seek to improve road safety in Edinburgh.
Conservatives propose a seven percent council tax increase. They suggest ending free tram travel for some to save revenues. They want to reduce the amount of council property and explore ways of reducing staff levels.
The Conservatives propose leaving Cosla, a partnership of Scottish local authorities that helps them coordinate and cooperate. Cosla negotiates council funding with the Scottish government, but conservatives feel Edinburgh has had poor deals via Cosla. Edinburgh will get the lowest funding per person in Scotland.
Conservatives and Liberal Democrats filed empty amendments. They can add requests should they find common ground. Councillors will finalize the budget this Thursday.