World Cup bank holiday 'would cost Midlothian Council £130,000'

Midlothian Council’s leader has said funding a public holiday to mark Scotland’s appearance in the World Cup is not the ‘right priority’ for the cash-strapped local authority.

The Scottish Government has declared Monday, June 15, a national bank holiday; however, the decision over whether to give their workers a day off is being made by each individual council.

A report asking elected members in Midlothian to decide whether to grant the public holiday is due to be decided this week. Councillor Kelly Parry has already said she believes the cost is too high.

In a statement issued ahead of the meeting, Councillor Parry said: “A public holiday for the World Cup would cost Midlothian Council approximately £130,000 – that is almost half our yearly allocation of cost of living support to help our residents most in need of support – in household budget terms, almost another quarter per cent increase in council tax.

“Within the confines of an already stretched budget position, I don’t think it is the right priority for the council at this time.

“However, as a council, we have already kicked off a clear plan to support economic, social, sporting and educational participation.

“We’re working together with business, schools and communities to make the most of the opportunities when the games begin, with officials already on the front foot and working within existing budgets.”

Councillors agreed to set officials the task of finding ways to create a lasting legacy from the first appearance of Scotland’s men’s team in the World Cup for 28 years this summer, after they qualified.

Calls for big screen events around the national team’s games, school projects and community events to boost interest in sport and raise additional income are being considered.

Councils across Scotland are counting the cost of giving workers a public holiday, with some recommending going ahead with it and others, including neighbouring East Lothian Council, being advised not to agree to it.

A report to East Lothian councillors this week says the additional cost for the day which could be up to £130,000 cannot be recommended for approval.