Councils spend half of infrastructure fund on homes and schools

Around 50 per cent of capital expenditure made by local authorities in Scotland, totalling £1.2 billion, has been invested in education and housing infrastructure, new figures have shown.

Released yesterday, the Capital Expenditure and Financing: Provisional Outturn for 2014-15 found that total capital expenditure by local authorities on housing was £0.68bn, up 7.1 per cent since 2013-14.

Spending on education infrastructure by councils has also increased in 2014-15 to £0.527bn – making up more than a fifth (21.8 per cent) of total capital expenditure.

Welcoming the new figures, Kevin Stewart MSP from the SNP said: “In spite of a 25 per cent cut to Scotland’s capital funding from Westminster, Scottish Government funding has allowed local authorities to make a substantial investment in building a fairer, more socially just Scotland.

“We are already on track to build 30,000 new affordable homes in Scotland by March 2016 and the £0.68bn housing investment made by councils will help ensure everyone access to a quality, warm and affordable home. Building new homes can improve the wellbeing of families immeasurably but it also boosts the local economy and creates jobs – all of which will help tackle poverty and inequality.

“We are equally committed to ensuring that every child – regardless of their background – has the best start in life and an equal chance to realise their ambitions. Under the SNP, 526 schools and been rebuilt or refurbished and with an increased investment last year we know there will be no let-up in the pace.

“The SNP Scottish government is committed to working with local government, housing associations and third sector partners to build a fairer Scotland – these figures show our spending clearly reflects this vital priority.”