Shetland Island’s Council is meeting to set its budget for the next financial year.
The proposals under consideration include a further £12.5 million of cuts which would take the SIC “70 per cent of the way towards becoming financially sustainable” by April 2014.
It is likely the latest round of cuts will result in a further 300 jobs being lost. This morning’s meeting will also consider controversial plans to slash spending on ferries, schools and social care.
Annual spending on services is anticipated to drop from the £132 million spent in 2011/12 to around £113 million this year.
The meeting heard from finance director James Gray, who told councillors that even if the £12.5 million cuts are agreed, Shetland will still have “the best funded public services in Scotland”.
• A 30 per cent cut to spending on community councils goes ahead, but an equivalent sum will be “ring-fenced” and can be accessed for specific projects.
• Jonathan Wills’ impassioned attempt to restore funding for the additional support needs (ASN) summer playscheme. His proposal was voted down 13-8.
Detailed report and reaction in this week’s paper.