Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 28 February 2019 13:39
A £412million budget for 2019-20 includes a transformational £79million package of one-off and longer-term investments.
This will see an additional £29million invested in school buildings and £40million over the next five years towards Renfrewshire roads, pathways and cycling routes.
Further targeted investments totalling £4.3million will protect the most vulnerable people in our communities, support inclusive economic growth, improve the environment, breathe new life into community facilities and enhance cultural participation.
The budget also confirms the Council’s £324million capital investment programme and supports national policies including the expansion of free early years childcare.
Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “Our budget is based on doing what is right for Renfrewshire today and tomorrow. That’s why we are making major investments which will bring long-lasting benefit over the coming years and putting in place funds which will benefit every single community and neighbourhood in Renfrewshire.
“We are making a massive investment in our children and young people, matching their commitment to learning by providing the best possible learning environments.
“And our roads investment is the single biggest ever of its kind in Renfrewshire, making journeys safer and easier and improving business connectivity. These significant works will complement new developments and ongoing town centre improvements and make it easier for visitors to enjoy all Renfrewshire has to offer.”
Five-year funding for Renfrewshire roads is in addition to the existing City Deal infrastructure projects in the region, while the budget sets aside £5.5million to support regeneration to the south of the Glasgow Airport Investment Area and provide greater economic connectivity between Paisley town centre and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland.
Funds for school buildings will enable the council to unlock money from the Scottish Government’s £1billion school investment fund. There’s also immediate investment in improving facilities at Bishopton Primary; Kirklandneuk Primary, St Anthony’s Primary and Paisley Grammar School, while defibrillators will be installed across all Renfrewshire secondary schools.
Bucking the national trend, music tuition will remain free in Renfrewshire schools for the next four years through a £500,000 investment, recognising the power of culture in raising attainment and improving health and wellbeing.
The Provost’s School Exchange Fund is being established to support cultural exchanges for pupils and school road safety is bolstered by the development of a safety initiative team tackling irresponsible parking in and around schools.
Support to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities sees £1.4million for adult social care services, enabling Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) to meet increasing demand and care cost pressures.
There is a 3% increase in the allowance for Foster and Kinship Carers recognising the lifechanging contribution they make to the most vulnerable children and young people; a commitment to help secure the Living Wage for all care staff working with Renfrewshire residents and funds for more staff to be trained in supporting victims of domestic abuse.
Communities will benefit from £2.3million towards community halls, prioritising a full refurbishment of the McKillop Institute, Lochwinnoch; Elderslie Village Hall and South End Action Centre, Paisley alongside repairs to Steeple Hall, Kilbarchan.
Renfrewshire Leisure will receive funds to develop a library outreach service and there’s funds for improvements to the popular Barshaw Park pond and to develop plans for an inclusive adventure playpark.
Initiatives to support inclusive economic growth include further funds for businesses to improve their shop fronts, enhanced warden provision in Paisley town centre and money to improve priority road markings.
Building on the successes of the Team Up to Clean Up campaign, new multi-purpose litter and dog fouling bins will replace existing bins and there’s tree works planned across key locations.
Councillor Nicolson added: “Our budget reflects our on-going commitment to listen to what our communities are telling us and respects their role as partners in building success for the region over the coming years.
“It treats people fairly and builds on our multi-year investments made last year to support employability, tackle poverty and enhance the local environment.”
Also included in the budget are commitments not to introduce a workforce parking levy or any form of new household waste collection charges.
Council Tax will increase by 4.79% - equivalent to a weekly increase of £1.10 on a Band D property - with £1.3million of income it generates ring-fenced to drive the school and roads investment.
The budget includes £19million of efficiency savings through initiatives including the Better Council Change Programme, the council having delivered £117million of savings since 2010.
Councillor John Shaw, Finance, Resources and Customer Services Convener, said: “We are in a stable financial position and this has enabled us to put forward such a positive budget.
“At the same time we understand the challenging financial outlook facing all local councils and that’s why our investments support our priorities beyond the financial year and safeguard services for the future.”
National Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.
READ MORETouring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MOREAldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MOREThe first opening road bridge across the River Clyde is a step closer to completion as the first section of the Renfrew Bridge has arrived in Renfrewshire.
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.
READ MOREWith a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.
READ MORERunners in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a new running track at the On-X Sports Centre in Linwood after a contract was approved by councillors.
READ MOREACCORD Hospice is pleased to announce the return of its annual art exhibition to The Art Department in Paisley between the 26th of April and 10th May.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MOREDuring the Easter holidays, hundreds of kids across Renfrewshire have enjoyed free school holiday activity camps.
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREThe Paisley 10k and Fun Run will see thousands taking to the streets when the event returns to the town on Sunday 18th August, 2024.
READ MOREEnvironmentally conscious individuals are being asked to volunteer for a new community taskforce to help protect Renfrewshire's rich riverbank habitats.
READ MOREPaisley's Spring Farmyard Trail is coming to Paisley town centre from Friday the 29th of March until Monday 15th of April.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MORERenfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost's Community Awards.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREPaisley's Learning and Cultural Hub has won a national award. The new home for Paisley Central Library won the physical category at the EDGE Awards.
READ MOREThe Easter weekend is going to be eggs-tra special at Cardwell Garden Centre this year.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MOREGroups connected with the refurbishment of Paisley Museum are celebrating today after picking up an honour at the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"