THE Scottish Government has announced how much money it will give Scottish Borders Council (SBC) to run public services in 2021/22.

Scottish finance minister Kate Forbes delivered her draft budget last Thursday (January 28).

And today (Monday, February 1) the Scottish Government has revealed how much money it will give to each of the country’s councils for day-to-day spending on public services.

SBC is due to get £233.2 million, according to the Scottish Government, which is £9.2m more than last year’s figure (£224m). It is an increase of 4.1 per cent.

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The council receiving the greatest amount is Glasgow City Council (1,362.9m), with the smallest allocation set to go to the Orkney Islands (£82.7m).

Ms Forbes said: “This budget is being delivered in exceptional circumstances as we continue to battle a pandemic that has shaken our society and economy to the core.

“The local government settlement will help to fund those vital public services that are much valued and needed. 

“It includes additional funding of £59m to complete the expansion of early learning and childcare to 1,140 hours a year, £72.6m for investment in health and social care and £7.7m to support the inter-island ferries in Shetland, Orkney and Argyll and Bute.

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“Just as we have chosen not to increase tax rates, ensuring people pay no more than last year, I have taken the significant step of offering funding equivalent to a council tax increase of around 3 per cent to councils who choose to freeze council tax.

“I look to local government to join with me in providing the much needed financial reassurance to those who are struggling.

“We need to focus on how we rebuild and renew our country, and the funding I am providing to local authorities reflects the key role that they will continue to play in that journey.”