Mundell: SNP is depriving pro-Union areas of funding
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Meanwhile, NHS Dumfries and Galloway is currently trying to find more than £23m in savings. It has even cut down on lawn mowing across its entire estate as part of a 'wider effort to prioritise and protect patient care'.
However, the challenges are not confined to the south of Scotland.
A recent report by the Accounts Commission found that Scotland's councils are facing a near £1 billion budget gap over the next two years.
The watchdog said for this year, the gap between the country's 32 local authorities stands at £647m – up £52m from 2024–25.
This comes despite councils receiving £15.2bn from the Scottish Government in the 2025–26 budget – a real-terms increase of 6%.
The report on local government budgets highlighted the 'recurring pressures' authorities face, from inflation, annual staff pay deals and the growing demand for services.
One of the biggest impacts is the hike in employers' national insurance contributions brought in by the Chancellor at last year's budget.
Cosla say this could cost £370m a year – more than double the £144m provided by the Scottish Government towards the rise.
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Speaking during Scotland Questions, Mr Mundell said: 'Does the Secretary of State share my view that whatever the budget SNP Scottish Government have, they have cynically and systematically deprived funding from areas that do not support independence, leaving councils like Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders and their health boards struggling to provide basic services?'
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray responded by accusing the SNP of neglecting the entire country.
'The whole of Scotland voted against independence in 2014,' he said. 'And it seems to me that the SNP government strategy is to starve all of Scotland's public services of the vital funding they require.'
The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.
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