Under that scheme, capital spending – buildings and infrastructure – made up just 23–28% of funding for Scottish local authorities, leaving far more available for frontline services. In 2027–28, it’s £21m revenue, £12m capital, before flipping in 2028–29, when capital, £24m, overtakes revenue, £17m. The split moves to £21m revenue and £12m capital in 2027–28, before switching in 2028–29 to £24m capital, £18m revenue. “The blame for Scotland’s local government funding crises lies firmly at the SNP-led Scottish Government’s door," they said. "Susan Aitken should be asking John Swinney why the SNP-led Scottish Government has over decades centralised powers while cutting funding levels for Scottish local government.

Source: The Herald January 17, 2026 11:30 UTC