Perth FM News - 15 February 2010

Fire and Rescue to receive extra millions

Scotland's fire and rescue services are to receive just under 25 million pounds extra in the next financial year. The Scottish government said the money would help the eight services pay for specialist equipment, develop training facilities and modernise fire stations around the country. Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing said the investment would add to the £330million currently given to Scotland's fire and rescue services every year. The money will see 9 million directed to identified projects and just under 16 million is to be divided among fire services using an agreed formula.

Politicians praise council tax freeze

Perthshire politicians have praised the freeze on council tax agreed when the local authority set its budget last week. The budget has been criticized from some quarters most notably Conservative group leader Alexander Stewart who insists that the increased charge for community alarms would hit the areas most vulnerable residents. However MSP Roseanna Cunningham and MP Pete Wishart heralded the council's decision to maintain a council tax freeze. The budget also promised breakfast clubs and action on class sizes, action on youth homelessness and an extra 500,000 pounds to repair roads after the harsh winter.

Tributes paid to PKC Councillor

Tributes have been paid to a Perth and Kinross councillor who died suddenly in his home on Saturday. Fifty eight year old John Law was the SNP councillor for the Strathallan ward and was described as a "stalwart" of the party. In a statement from the council, Councillors of all political parties were shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of John Law last night. He was an SNP councillor for a Perth City ward in the last District Council. He came back in 2007 as one of three members for the Strathallan Ward, which includes his home in Blackford. MSP Roseanna Cunningham said he was a fantastic Councillor and she will miss him deeply, and Provost John Hulbert expressed his condolences to Mr Law's family.