SCOTTISH Government money intended for restoring nature and improving biodiversity has been redirected towards local government pay awards.
Ministers have said that £5 million from the nature restoration fund would instead be spent on pay settlements.
The developments come after Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison said more cost-cutting measures are needed to balance the books.
It was reported by the BBC that the Government has written to councils telling them to divert the nature restoration fund money towards the pay settlements.
A spokesperson said Robison (above) had been clear about the “painful choices” which lie ahead.
The spokesperson commented: “Protecting and restoring our natural environment is key to addressing the twin crises of nature loss and climate change, and nearly £40 million has already been distributed through the nature restoration fund since 2021.
“While capital funding of £5 million from this year’s nature restoration fund has been redirected to fund the pay offer, it will be replaced in future years.”
“We know the vital role local government employees play in delivering local services which are valued by the public.
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“This pay offer demonstrates just how much we value these workers too. It will provide an above-inflation pay increase for all council employees and ensure the most support is focused on the lowest paid.
“Ministers hope that members of the GMB, Unison and Unite will vote to accept it.”
The Scottish Greens have opposed the decision, saying the £65m fund was secured while they were in the Scottish Government and called on the Finance Secretary to maintain it.
MSP Mark Ruskell (below) commented: “The nature restoration fund is supporting vital projects all across our country, from building natural flood protections to safeguarding local species, restoring our waterways and improving our parks.
“It is enhancing our communities, by making them more welcoming and accessible while creating important jobs.
“Investment in natural flood management for example massively saves public money in the long run.
“We are in a climate and nature emergency, the two are linked and restoring nature in our communities is key.
“Investing in local services and our local environment should not be in opposition, they go together.”
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