Budget approved at Moray Council

MORAY Council approved its budget by two votes following a two-hour meeting today.

The vote was 13-11 for the Independent /Conservative administration, supported by Labour councillor John Divers.

The SNP opposition budget was supported by non-aligned Conservative councillor Douglas Ross.

Council tax remains frozen.

The council will look to take up to £6.3 million from reserves, of required, to balance the books in 2016-17.

The budget includes savings of £722,000 in the next year, with a further £2.5m identified.

The administration had originally proposed an 18 per cent increase in council tax to protect services, however, the threat of financial penalties from the Scottish Government saw them forced to back down and maintain a council tax freeze.

Margaret Wilson, head of financial services, said the council had calculated that £14.3 million in savings will be required in 2017-18.

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