For the first time in a decade, Moray Council has achieved a cross-party budget agreement.
The Conservative Council Administration worked collegiately behind the scenes ahead of the budget meeting on Wednesday 28th February with political groups and various independent members in an effort to gain agreement.
Council Leader, Councillor Kathleen Robertson said following the meeting, “Thank you to all members who worked collaboratively with us. We will naturally have political disagreements, but I am pleased that for the sake of Moray we have been able to come together in this way. Regardless of political leaning or none, we all represent the people of Moray and as Leader it was important to me to bring all views together in order to compromise and find a way forward.
“Many aspects of this budget are part of an effort to ensure a more sustainable council going forward. We are working towards a meaningful transformation and innovation of services with a focus on fiscal prudence.
“Whilst I am pleased to have achieved this agreement with other political groups, I remain unhappy at our overall financial position due to the lack of funding we receive from the Scottish Government, including an imposed freeze on council tax without consultation. It has meant that difficult decisions have had to be made. I will continue to lobby for fairer funding for Moray Council.
“Finally, I am grateful to the public who provided their input to the consultation process. Bringing the public along with us in decision making was important and we welcomed the opinions of local residents.”
