Commenting on the news that East Lothian Council faces a £45m funding gap over the next five years, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“In the run-up to last month’s Scottish Budget, I warned about the funding pressures facing East Lothian and other councils following years of cuts to local government funding and the severe impact further cuts could have on local services and communities.

“However, the SNP-Green government refused to listen to pleas from local authorities, including those led by their own SNP colleagues, and have proposed another funding settlement which will inflict a real terms cut in funding on councils.

“Councillors and council officials are now having to deal with the stark reality of these funding cuts and how they will impact on vital local services and the wellbeing of our communities this year and in the years to come.”