Times are difficult; finances are tight and difficult choices are sometimes required, but with the recent rent increase, the increase in energy prices due next month, households are under a great deal of financial strain, it is even more important that decisions are made careful and thoughtfully.

Despite SNP groups budget proposing a Council Tax rise of 6.96%, the Tory group supported the Labour minority group of 4 councillors with their proposals of an 8.8% rise in Council Tax.

In addition and, perhaps more importantly, the SNP budget offered greater security to front line services by ring-fencing funding to ensure services such as libraries, nursery provision and music instrument tuition would not be brought back for cuts for the remainder of this term of Local Government (ie 2027).

In contrast, although the Labour/Tory budget also saved these front line services, they achieved this by using monies from reserves. This is a short- sighted approach. Once funds from reserves are spent, the money is gone. The result?..these services will be vulnerable again next year at budget setting.

The SNP group are now the largest group, with 9 Councillors. Labour have 4, with support of 8 Tory Councillors. There is also 1 Green and 1 Independent, giving the total of 23.