COUNCILLORS have rubber stamped plans to raise council tax while continuing to invest nearly £50 million in Renfrewshire's roads. 

The SNP minority administration successfully passed its 2020/21 budget at a meeting today in Paisley. 

It means plans to invest £52m in schools in the area and raise council tax by 4.64 per cent - 0.2 per cent less than the maximum permitted by the Scottish Government - are set to be implemented. 

The £440m budget also includes a new fund to help tackle the climate emergency and £2.25m towards town centres. 

READ MORE: SNP wins fight to pass Renfrewshire Council budget

Councillors agreed a £385m five-year capital investment programme covering a range of major projects and £75m to maintain and build new council housing over the next three years. 

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson, who represents Erskine and Inchinnan, said: “Our budget for Renfrewshire builds on existing long-term investments and signals new investment addressing the climate emergency, promoting inclusive growth and community empowerment, protecting the most vulnerable in society and investing in education and young people.

The Gazette: Cllr Iain Nicolson Cllr Iain Nicolson

“Vital action is needed for Renfrewshire to be carbon neutral by 2030 and we recognise our role in leading, enabling and driving positive change.

“Building on our impactful tackling poverty programmes, we are helping those most in need and as well as funding to improve the lives of everyone affected by addiction, we’re providing additional social care funding and support for victims of domestic abuse.

“We are investing in our future by almost doubling the school estate fund and empowering our communities by enabling them to take forward the projects and shape the places that matter most to them. And our investment in town centres will bolster business and support inclusive growth as we make Renfrewshire a great place to live, visit, work and invest in.

“It is a budget which safeguards services and jobs and delivers a better Renfrewshire for everyone, rightly reflecting the crucial role of our communities as our partners.”

READ MORE: Job losses could run into 'hundreds' as Renfrewshire Council plugs £45m black hole

A 4.64 per cent increase in council tax was confirmed, representing a £1.12 weekly increase to Band D households, and the budget is supported through generation of £13.9million of cost reductions and savings. 

A Labour proposal to freeze council tax was rejected. 

The Gazette: Cllr Natalie Don Cllr Natalie Don

Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank councillor Natalie Don said: "Extremely pleased that the Renfrewshire Council SNP 2020/21 budget has now passed. A budget that prioritises our environment, our communities and our local services. 

"Proud to be part of this SNP administration, the only party working for the whole of Renfrewshire." 

More to follow...