Local MSP Craig Hoy has recently challenged the First Minster over proposed cuts by SNP-run Dumfries and Galloway council.
Mr Hoy raised the matter at First Minster’s Questions, asking John Swinney to explain why the council is considering a package of cuts which include closing leisure centres, scrapping free music lessons and stripping all funding from the local Citizen’s Advice service.
In the Holyrood chamber, Mr Hoy said: “Is the First Minister aware of the swingeing budget cuts that are being proposed by SNP-run Dumfries and Galloway Council? Those include the closure of the Hillview leisure centre in Kelloholm, the removal of free music classes for children, and cuts that would result in the closure of the entire Citizens Advice Bureau network.”
Mr Hoy added: Will the First Minister look the people of Dumfries and Galloway in the eye and answer the question of why those cuts are being proposed? Is it because the SNP Government in Edinburgh is not properly funding Dumfries and Galloway Council, or is it because the SNP-run administration is not properly managing its finances?”
In response, Mr Swinney dismissed Mr Hoy’s concerns stating: “Local authorities have to look at all the choices they have and at the issues that affect the delivery of public services, and that is exactly what Dumfries and Galloway Council will do.”
Speaking after the exchange, Mr Hoy said: “It is typical of John Swinney to completely avoid answering the question, given he knows that the cuts are a result of the actions of the SNP Government in Edinburgh and the SNP council in Dumfries and Galloway. Residents of Dumfriesshire are rightly very concerned about these proposed cuts and are angry at the First Minister’s lack of action. Dumfriesshire deserves a better deal, and the SNP simply aren’t delivering the services local people need.”
Mr Hoy, who is also his party’s candidate for Dumfriesshire at next May’s Holyrood election, says he will continue to fight for local services in the Scottish parliament.
In recent weeks Craig Hoy has met with the senior team members at the Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Bureau network to offer them his personal support following news of the proposed cut.
