Ayr by-election 2000

'Across Scotland, spending on local government has been slashed by £496 million in real terms since New Labour came to power. 'This has been coupled with an average Scottish council tax increase of 41 per cent and job losses of 13,000 over the same period. 'In South Ayrshire, this means the local council has had to make cuts of £6 million this year and at least a further £5 million next year..' SNP candidate Jim Mather, 7 th March 2000.

Labour duo the target for SNP cash attack

From the Ayrshire Post

Candidate Jim Mather launched a two-ppronged attack on council leader John Baillie and Labour's by-election candidate Councillor Rita Miller.
Mr Mather challenged Mrs Miller to state whether she backed Donald Dewar or John Baillie over the local authority's budget crisis.
Last week Councillor Baillie blamed the cash crisis on restrictive financial controls imposed by the Scottish Executive.
Mr Mather claimed: "Across Scotland, spending on local government has been slashed by £496 million in real terms since New Labour came to power.
"This has been coupled with an average Scottish council tax increase of 41 per cent and job losses of 13,000 over the same period.
"In South Ayrshire, this means the local council has had to make cuts of £6 million this year and at least a further £5 million next year.
"Councillor Miller cannot duck these facts and must explain her position." Mr Mather asked: "Does she support Donald Dewar and his pound-pinching Labour-run administration or does she supŠport her council leader who says cuts in services, job threats and rises in council tax bills are the fault of the Labour Government?" Meanwhile, Mr Mather has also written to Councillor Baillie expressing his opposition to the proposed sale of the Carrick Street Day Centre in Ayr.
He hit out: "Having met with a large number of members of the centre, it is clear South Ayrshire Council has not listened to their views and concerns.
"These proposals belong in the dustbin and that is exactly where we have asked the council leader to put them." Mr Mather added: "After all, it must be remembered the centre was a gift from the Auld Kirk of Ayr and the council was appointed trustees of the halls on behalf of the elderly people of the area.
"South Ayrshire Council has no moral mandate to sell the club off from under its members' feet."

March 8 th 2000