Friday March 13th 2026
An image for the new Craigshill Primary in Livingston, set to open in August 2027 (photo by West Lothian Council)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville
West Lothian Council will spend £145m on schools, community facilities, roads, parks and other assets to support the delivery of essential services over the next seven years.
But while the capital budget agreed will see £29m spent in the next year alone, further funding cuts from the Scottish Government means the council will face tougher decisions in future.
And Conservative group leader Damian Doran-Timson feared a future of shabby and decaying council buildings – with no money to repair or renew them.
Director of Finance Alasdair Black confirmed that Holyrood’s allocation of capital funding for Scottish councils would drop from 11.3% of total spending in the last year to 9% in the new financial year.
He told councillors the capital programme “outlines what can be delivered. We need to understand what that means, taking prioritisation in extending the life of assets.”
The £29.2 million for 2026/27 will include:
– £15.3 million investment in property, such as improvements to schools;
– £8.2 million for roads and related assets, like road repairs and street lights;
– £3.5 million on open spaces, such as play areas and cemeteries;
– and £2.2 million for Information Communication Technology (ICT) assets, including a refresh of laptops and other devices used in schools.
Capital funding is one-off amounts of funding used to upgrade/repair existing infrastructure or build new assets, such as new buildings, school extensions or new roads and paths. This is being funded through government grants, borrowing, developer contributions, and income from the sale of surplus property.
Councillor Doran-Timson pointed to the council’s plea for £15m towards the new St Kent’s Academy building. Without government funding the council will have to borrow that money and pay back double the amount in 25 years. This would add to investment constraints.
Speaking after the budget meeting which agreed the investment plan the Conservative group leader told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I have major concerns over the Capital Budget.
“Councils across Scotland are facing a real terms reduction of 14% and the Accounts Commission stating that since 2020 there has been a 55% real terms reduction in the initial capital allocation.
“This has a huge negative effect to the council’s estate and we see premises outside the council’s control such as the East Calder GP surgery in an appalling condition and I fear council owned premises will head in the same direction.
“It is obvious the Scottish Government are not going to assist with the RAAC replacement at St Kentigern’s Academy and put another £30 million pound pressure on West Lothian Council.
“It is time for the SNP Scottish Government to stop wasting the billions they do and fund councils properly “.
Council leader, Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “I am delighted to confirm our planned programme of investment in essential council assets such as roads, schools and parks.
“It’s vital we continue to invest wisely in the properties and other resources that we need to deliver the important services our local communities rely on.
“With capital funding expected to reduce in future years, we will have even less money to invest in future years, so the programme will be monitored closely going forward.”
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