Gibson Welcomes Fairer Scotland Fund increase for Orkney

News release
Immediate release

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed figures which show that the Scottish Government spending for deprived areas in Orkney is due to rise until 2011.

An additional £310,000 will be spent over 3 years for Orkney's vulnerable community. It will mean that over £1 million will be made available to the Council until 2011.

Mr Gibson said:

"The funds prioritise money for areas of high multiple deprivation. The Government has provided stability on spending for the next 3 years. This means that organisations and charities will be given the backing and stability from the SNP to provide a vital service in communities that suffer high levels of depravation.

“During the budget process all we have heard from the opposition is doom and gloom. The scare stories and smears against SNP Councillors and MSP's has been nothing short of disgraceful.

"This is the best deal that local authorities have received from central Government since devolution – no mean feat when you consider that it was the worst financial deal that the Labour Government has given to Scotland since devolution.

"SNP Scottish Government has made provisions for a council tax freeze, which will be welcomed by the majority of people in Orkney. The Government will raise spending in the future for vulnerable groups. From my point of view both of these outcomes are welcome."

ENDS