Blairgowrie & Rattray Hub Magazine Winter 2023

across the world take strong action to address
the climate emergency, we cannot overlook
how crucial it is for local communities to help
in this effort.
The local impact that Climate Cafes have
cannot be understated, and the fact that
they work with communities in a friendly,
collaborative manner is, in my view, key to
their success.
climate emergency, it is vital that we properly
articulate the stakes involved and bring
people along with us on this journey. That, in
short, is the great strength of the Climate Cafe
movement.
You can reach my office at 01250 876576 to
discuss any issue or arrange an appointment.
Alternatively, you can contact me directly
via john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot
And if we are to succeed in tackling the
Cllr Tom McEwan
Scottish National Party
Blairgowrie and Glens Ward
We are currently in a most dire state for public
finances in Perth and Kinross, having been
left a £10m working deficit from the previous
administration, which even with cuts to
services has now grown to just short of £12m.
We have, as a council, received record amounts
of funding both directly and - following the
budget - through grants and
match-funding. But with interest rates
increasing our borrowing cost and the costs of
capital projects, this has put huge restrictions
on what we can continue to do and what
buildings we can continue to own.
A prudent review of our capital assets is
needed; what is evidence based spend and
what is essential support to communities
will need to be our outlook going forward.
Inflation has affected every household in the
UK and it has affected how far the budget of
the council reaches. At highs last year of over
10% and still running above 8% has driven an
out-of-control bus through our public finances.
So, the need to look for a community group
to take over management of the public toilets
becomes a necessity - with running costs
that subsidise each visit by more than £10, it
becomes a subsidy that is not possible. Faced
with officer calls to close all recycling centres
outside of Friarton in Perth, we chose to keep
centres open but close them two days per
week to meet some of the savings needed.
Savings have also been made by cutting the
subsidy for bus services by £500k. Public
transport is essential for many people with no
other options for work or shopping and this
type of cut would have harmed many in rural
areas. It is difficult as a councillor to make
these decisions as no-one likes cutting services
people enjoy having access to every day, but
these changes have been delayed for too long.
At the end of this process, we will have a leaner
council with services that work more closely
together, so when budgets turn the corner
and inflation is at normal levels, we will be in a
position to take full advantage.
I know there are residents in the ward who
have no option but to look to crisis grants
and other support to make ends meet. I must
say to anyone in this position for whatever
reason, ask for help and ask as soon as you
know your bills will be too much. Very few
have personal finances that can absorb this
huge increase in costs, so don’t blame yourself,
this is being done to you not by you. Staff at
the council in the housing service, council tax
service and welfare rights are just some of
those who are there to help, provide support
and guidance during difficult times like these.
They can only help if you ask, so please, please,
please ask for help if you need to.
Contact Details:
Email: tmcewan@pkc.gov.uk
Mobile: 07984620264,
(https://www.facebook.comSNPBlairCouncil17/)
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70 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023