Despite continued financial pressures across the sector, a mix of one-off funds and recurring funding will improve roads and open spaces, and support business and communities, with a focus on young people and local culture.

The budget is also expected to maintain local council taxes as the lowest in Scotland, with the 6.5% increase agreed well below the rates many other councils are having to set.

In a joint statement, the Labour, SNP, Liberal Democrats, Independent and Green political groups, said: "We have worked together, putting political differences aside, to agree this Budget for People and Place in South Lanarkshire.

"It will deliver real improvements in the lives of our residents and in our communities across four areas that we know are important to local people:

• the environment that we live in
• our young people and their schools
• our communities and their local culture and identities
• and the businesses that choose to work here

"As well as unlocking new levels of investment, our budget ensures we provide a solid basis to balance budgets in future years without the need for bigger cuts to the services that our residents rely upon.

"We have been able to deliver this while keeping council tax rates in South Lanarkshire the lowest in Scotland.

"The investments delivered by this budget include £33.3 million that will take forward important projects and services in 2026-27, as well as £3.534m in recurring funding – permanent increases that mean we can commit to long-term improvements in key services.

"Our Budget for People and Place in South Lanarkshire will lead to improvements in open spaces and roads, including upgrading underpasses and enhanced gully cleaning to tackle flood-prone areas.

"It will employ more of the frontline workers who work day in, day out to make our communities look and feel better for all.

"There will be free swimming for under-16s, and schools will get new, modern visual equipment and larger devolved budgets to pay for the likes of classroom supplies.

"A culture strategy will be developed and local festivals and galas will be funded.

"And there is £4m investment in local businesses that will include new, larger grants of up to £50,000 to support business growth."

As part of their deliberations, Elected Members considered the results of a public consultation that engaged with more than 2,500 local residents. In doing so, they agreed to reject a number of savings options tabled by council officers.