Liberal Democrats unveil alternative Dundee budget – “Protecting services after 17 years of SNP cuts”
The Dundee Liberal Democrat Council Group has today unveiled its alternative budget proposals for 2026/27, which will go before the council’s revenue budget meeting this Thursday – 5th March 2026.
The Liberal Democrat plans include keeping the council tax increase to below 5% — while reversing many of the possible cuts proposed in the council’s recent budget consultation and the LibDems also have new proposals for investing in frontline services.
Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Fraser Macpherson said :
“After 17 years of SNP control at Dundee City Council, we’ve seen repeated cuts to frontline services, shrinking neighbourhood provision and a steady erosion of what residents rely on. Dundee deserves better. Our starting point has been simple — protect schools, protect vulnerable people and protect neighbourhood services. We will not balance the books on the backs of children, elderly residents or the most vulnerable.”
The Liberal Democrat budget key points :
• Stops cuts to school crossing patrollers
• Prevents closure of secondary school swimming pools
• Protects devolved secondary school budgets
• Freezes school meal charges
• Restores supported bus services cut by the SNP
• Expands CCTV rather than switching cameras off
• Rejects less frequent bin collections
The LibDem proposals also maintain £500,000 funding for Dundee’s Food Network, provide additional support to the Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership, and protect community regeneration and cultural funding.
The budget includes £1 million for road resurfacing and £500,000 for pavements — alongside additional street cleaning posts and new forestry, animal control, community warden and countryside ranger roles.
Broughty Ferry Councillor Craig Duncan said :
“Residents are fed up with potholes, dirty streets and rising charges. Our budget invests in roads, pavements and street cleaning — and reduces proposed car parking increases. We would also restore Broughty Castle opening all year round and would maintain UNESCO funding.”
West End councillor Michael Crichton highlighted the reinstatement of bus services :
“The SNP axed the 204, the 206 and the Shoppers’ Bus — services relied upon by elderly and vulnerable citizens. We will restore them. We are also preventing increases to domestic waste charges and bulky uplift charges. People are under enough financial pressure already.”
Strathmartine councillor Daniel Coleman added :
“Seventeen years in charge means responsibility. If services are shrinking and neighbourhoods feel neglected, that’s not someone else’s fault — it’s the administration’s record. Our savings come from trimming non-essential spending — not cutting the services residents depend on.”
Cllr Macpherson concluded :
“This is a clear alternative to years of Dundee SNP failure. After 17 years of cuts and excuses, we are offering protection for frontline services, investment in neighbourhoods and a responsible council tax level. Dundee doesn’t need more of the same — it needs a change of direction.”