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Budget keeps to contract with the capital
Published Thursday 7 February 2013
Increasing investment in frontline services in
Edinburgh for vulnerable residents of all ages was a priority at the
Council budget meeting today.
The sixth successive freeze in Council Tax maintains Edinburgh's band D rate as the lowest of Scotland's four major cities.
Cllr Alasdair Rankin, Convener of the Finance and Budget Committee, said: "For the first time we asked the public and partner organisations to comment on the Council's draft budget. This allowed us to listen to people about how money should be spent and saved to allow us to deliver our Contract with the Capital in a very well managed and open way.
"It also meant we were able to include some ideas and suggestions from other political parties. This means the widest possible views are reflected in how we best use money to support individuals, communities and businesses.
"We will start looking at next year's budget in the coming weeks and we will be looking for views on how we spend money on an ongoing basis from now on."
Cllr Bill Cook, Vice-Convener of the Finance and Budget Committee, said: "We used the feedback received during the consultation process to help us make many keys decisions, including doubling our budget for roads and pavements by £12m, adding £10.5m to improve schools, nurseries and facilities for children and £0.5m extra has been invested in foster care.
"We agreed that looking after the most vulnerable people in the city needs increased investment and £2.9m extra has been given to meet the needs of people with physical and learning disabilities and an additional £2.25m to provide care for older people in their own homes."
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