UK budget delay will leave Moray with ‘few short weeks' to plan essential services, say SNP co-leaders

The two leaders of Moray’s SNP group have warned that the UK Government’s decision to delay its Autumn Budget will cause major knock-on effects for councils across Scotland.

A budget is not going to be set at Westminster until November 26. In turn, the Scottish Government has now confirmed that its own budget will not now be published until January 13 – the latest date in many years.

Sonya Warren and Scott Lawrence, the SNP’s co-leaders locally, state that such a timeframe will cause difficulties for Moray Council when setting its own budget for essential services such as schools, roads, and social care.

Councils are legally required to agree their own budgets by March 11, but in practice, must do so by mid-February to allow tax bills to be issued and payments to start on April 1.

Councillor Warren said:“The UK Government’s delay has created a domino effect that leaves Scottish councils like Moray with very little time to plan, scrutinise, and agree budgets responsibly.

“This isn’t just about process, it affects every local service our residents rely on. Communities deserve stability, and that starts with timely, predictable funding decisions from Westminster.”

Cllr Lawrence agreed: “This is now the tightest timescale we’ve faced in years. A UK budget on November 26 and a Scottish budget on January 13 give councils only a few short weeks to make difficult decisions.

“It’s a real challenge for good governance, transparency and public accountability, and it shows how decisions taken at Westminster ripple right down to local communities.”

Both councillors called for recognition of the pressures this delay will place on council officers and elected members.