Moray councillors will meet Finance Secretary Derek Mackay today to press for a new formula to calculate funding for local authorities.
Last month more than £6million of cuts were approved in the region amid forecasts the council will go bankrupt within the next two years.
It’s claimed Moray receives the third lowest settlement from the Scottish Government per head of population among the 32 local authorities – lagging behind only Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
Yesterday, Tim Eagle, leader of the council’s Conservative group, pressed for changes ahead of the talks due to take place today to avoid another “bruising” round of cuts.
He said: “We’ve had to make economies which no-one wanted to make.
“During the last ten years the Scottish Government has repeatedly cut our income in real terms while piling on more and more obligations.
“Next year’s budget will be crunch time as the council’s reserves have already been slashed as we have tried to protect our services.
“Moray businesses and taxpayers make a huge contribution to the finances of the Scottish Government – it would nice to see some recognition of that support for the vital services the council provides.
“Quite simply, they need to refocus their attention from the Central Belt and start helping the beleaguered councils of Moray and the north-east.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead offered to set up the talks between leading councillors and Mr Mackay.
The SNP member has pledged to “not shy away” from pressing for a better deal for the region “when there is a case to be made”.
However, he has encouraged the council to also do all it can to press its case home with other local authorities.
Moray MP Douglas Ross added: “The minister has seemed to acknowledge the difficulties facing the council and has gone so far as to say that he is open to proposals to improve the funding formula and meet the delegation from Moray.
“That, at least, is something although it is rather disappointing he did not offer any proposals himself.”
