Plan to invest £5m in local communities

WEST Lothian Council has unveiled a series of plans that will result in an additional £5 million being invested in local communities.

Jobs and training opportunities for young people, increased support for vulnerable families through early intervention, and an increased focus on renewable energy are the three main areas which will benefit as a result of the £5 million investment package.

The additional money is a result of an underspend on this year’s budget, achieved mainly through “proactive workforce planning combined with effective financial management across the council”.

Council leader Peter Johnston said: “We are committed to ensuring that every penny will be invested back into our communities and benefit the most vulnerable people in West Lothian.

“At a time when there’s lots of doom and gloom surrounding the state of public finances, this substantial investment is fantastic news. As opposed to cuts, we are creating new skills for the workforce and our communities.”

The additional £5m will be spent over a three-year period.