Moray councillors today approved a four-year financial plan which will see the authority spend £1billion on delivering services. 

That equates to more than £11,000 for every man, woman and child in the council area. 

Spending will include £16.5million on school improvements, £3million on sports facilities at Elgin High School and £2million on new industrial units. 

Depute convener Councillor Allan Wright told fellow councillors that the biggest uncertainty surrounded the funding for flood alleviation schemes for Elgin, Rothes and Forres. 

But he stressed: “Flood alleviation is a top priority for the council and I take this opportunity to confirm this administration’s commitment to the funding of the flood schemes. We are committed – and we are on target.” 

Councillor Wright said managing a £1billion budget was no easy task but Moray was in a much stronger financial position than many other councils in Scotland going into the four-year period.