THERE had been a lot of hype about last week’s Scottish Budget being the most important in 20 years of devolution.

Given the unprecedented context in which it was delivered, I cannot argue with that assessment.

However, my view is that the budget did not live up to its billing and will once again fail to deliver the support communities and individuals in East Lothian need.

In financial terms, the additional funds allocated for Scotland’s 32 local authorities amounts to a measly £91 million, with only around £2 million set to come to East Lothian.

That does not even begin to cover the huge Covid costs incurred by councils over the last year, let alone address the longer-term funding gap caused by years of cuts and ringfencing by the SNP Government.

Indeed, the Accounts Commission annual review of council finances warned there remained a “historic difference” in Scottish Government funding for councils compared to other areas.

The report showed that funding from the Scottish Government to local authorities had reduced by 4.7 per cent in real terms between 2013/14 and 2019/20 – compared to a 0.8 per cent decrease for other areas.

The budget also lacks ambition in important policy areas.

For example, housing charity Shelter described as “shocking” the decision to cut investment in affordable housebuilding to the tune of £200 million.

The budget also fails on key issues like energy efficiency, tackling fuel poverty and creating skilled green jobs, just when we need these the most.

Local authority leaders at COSLA have agreed to continue fighting for improvements, including obtaining the extra funding necessary to maintain vital local services.

I will be working with colleagues in Parliament to seek changes that will deliver the bold, green recovery the economy and our communities need post-Covid.