A council tax increase of 5%, less than half the rate of inflation, was agreed. Additional investment in the maintenance of cemeteries, greenspace and main road grass verges was decided, anti-social behaviour support will be extended to all residents and more money was made available for enforcement around littering, fly tipping and dog fouling. Previous savings approved for active and creative facilities and services were also reversed. 

Councillor Jim Logue, leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “I am pleased we have been able to reach a balanced budget that protects jobs, provides some investment in services and restricts the council tax increase to less than half the rate of inflation.

“However, there is no doubt at all that we are reaching the very limit of protecting services from serious and damaging cuts, and the Scottish Government must act now to give local authorities a fair settlement.

“We anticipate cuts of £37million across the two years from 2024. There is no room for manoeuvre left; the decisions we will have to take in future years will be hugely damaging to the services people rely on.”

The council reaffirmed its commitment to the Community Investment Fund, setting aside the equivalent of 1% council tax increase (£1.6m) to support capital investment as part of its long-term strategy.

A one-off £50,000 fund was also allocated for communities to celebrate the forthcoming coronation of King Charles III in May. 

The council was faced with a budget gap of more than £28million. Action had already been taken to address £17.2million of the gap with no significant reduction in services.

A review of the devolved school management budget (with no impact on teacher numbers) will take place to save just over £1.16million over three years, the operating model for early learning and childcare will be reviewed to save £3million over three years and moving free school transport provision to statutory mileage limits will save £3million over three years. A public consultation around school transport provision will take place, details of which will be announced in due course. 

An increase of 5% for council rent levels was also agreed at the meeting, generating £7.1m to maintain and improve existing homes and implement energy-efficiency measures. Of this figure, £1million will be specifically allocated to the Rent Assistance Fund to support tenants on low incomes who may have fallen behind on rent payments during the cost of living crisis.