Monday October 27th 2025
Lasswade Centre swimming pool
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Midlothian residents are paying more for local leisure facilities than most other parts of Scotland, according to a new report from the Accounts Commission.
The report shows SNP – run Midlothian Council has pushed up charges by 8% on average – one of the steepest increases anywhere in the country – while attempting to cut back on spending for culture and leisure services.
But Labour councillors’ amendment to the SNP Council budget secured a £3 million capital investment in Midlothian’s leisure facilities, which brings new and upgraded equipment for local communities.
Nationally, councils spent £675 million on leisure and culture last year – down 3% in real terms compared to 2018. Labour has accused the SNP Government of slashing local funding over the last decade, leaving councils to pass on cuts through higher charges and reduced services.
At the same time, the UK Labour Government has delivered a record £5.2 billion budget for Scotland’s public services, which local campaigners say shows there is another way.
Caitlin Stott, Labour’s candidate for Midlothian North, said:
“People in Midlothian are paying more and getting less. The SNP Government has squeezed council budgets for years, and now Midlothian residents are seeing the impact with eye-watering price hikes.
“Scottish Labour would take a new direction. In Westminster, Labour has ended Tory austerity and delivered record funding for Scotland. In Midlothian, Labour councillors have secured a £3m investment into our leisure facilities.
“A Scottish Labour Government would deliver fair funding for councils and work with them to modernise services so they’re fit for the future. It’s time for a new direction.”
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