Council Leader writes to Prime Minister
Midlothian Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry has written to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer ahead of Wednesday’s UK Budget, urgently requesting more funding for public services in Scotland.
Unique set of pressures
Cllr Parry told the PM Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves allocating more money to the Scottish Government would subsequently benefit Midlothian Council, which is dealing with a unique set of funding pressures.
Struggling to keep pace with demand for services
In a letter dated 7 October, Cllr Parry writes: “Midlothian Council is Scotland’s fastest-growing local authority, and this growth brings with it increasing pressure on our services and infrastructure. With a rapidly growing population, we are struggling to keep pace with the demand for essential services such as education, health, and social care.”
Invitation to visit
Inviting Mr Starmer and Ms Reeves to visit Midlothian to “see firsthand the challenges we face”, the Council Leader said targeted investment to ensure Midlothian’s infrastructure needs are met is also crucial.
A701 road realignment
Citing key projects including the A701 road realignment and other transport improvements, Cllr Parry adds: “The Levelling Up Fund, for example, provides a crucial opportunity for us to address these needs, and I strongly urge you to ensure that Midlothian’s projects receive the attention and funding they deserve.
Supporting broader economic growth
“Investing in infrastructure here is not just a local priority – it supports broader economic growth across Scotland and the UK. Growth in Midlothian leads to increased business activity and employment, which in turn generates more revenue for public services, benefiting the entire region.”
Note
Midlothian Council is facing a budget gap of £9.4 million in 2025/26. It is inviting local people to give their views on savings proposals.