Michael Moore MP and Jeremy Purvis MSP launch cross-party summit on public finances in the Borders (Aberdeen Central Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen Central Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Michael Moore MP and Jeremy Purvis MSP launch cross-party summit on public finances in the Borders

June 25, 2010 1:54 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, Michael Moore, and MSP for Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale, Jeremy Purvis, have launched a cross-party initiative to discuss the state of the public finances in the Borders and how best to maintain a high standard of local services in the context of cuts in public expenditure.

The Public Finance Summit will be held on Monday 28 June from 9.30am to 1.30pm in Borders College campus in Galashiels, and includes senior representatives from local public service agencies, Scottish Borders Council and constituency representatives from the area, including Conservative MP David Mundell and MSP John Lamont.

This latest summit follows on from an earlier summit held by Mssrs Moore and Purvis on 22 January, and will seek to make progress on finding innovative ways to deliver local services while reducing costs.

Commenting, Mr Moore said:

"We have known that there would be tough times ahead for local services for some time, which is why Jeremy and I began discussions on this issue long before the General Election. But the Government's Emergency Budget this week has only underscored just how perilous a state the public finances are in, and the difficult choices which lie ahead.

"I am determined that, despite these circumstances, all those involved will work together to ensure we maintain the highest possible level of public services in the Borders."

Mr Purvis added:

"This is an important summit where all those responsible for delivering the high standard of local services which Borderers expect can work together to ensure the highest level is maintained despite pending public spending cuts.

"I am pleased that this event has cross-party support, and I look forward to working with all our local officials and politicians in the Borders to get the best outcome for our area. We will be continuing this initiative in the coming weeks to ensure that there is also wide public involvement in this important work."