COSLA
COSLA manifesto calls for revolution in local democracy
Local authorities across Scotland are calling on politicians from all parties to launch a revolution in local democracy within the first few months after May's Holyrood election.
Published 21 March 2016
Councils should not tackle budget challenges by imposing further cuts, warns Accounts Commission
Budget reductions mean starker choices ahead for Scotland’s councils which will not be met simply by continuing to cut staff and services, according to a new report.
Published 17 March 2016
New Housing Options guidance published
New guidance has been issued to support the development of Housing Options approaches in Scotland’s local authorities.
Published 4 March 2016
Council tax reform proposal branded ‘damp squib’ by COSLA
The Scottish Government has failed to deliver any meaningful change with its council tax reform proposals, according to COSLA.
Published 3 March 2016
Councils accept government funding deal but warn of future cuts
All 32 of Scotland’s local authorities have agreed to a funding arrangement from the Scottish Government worth £10.3 billion, though many have warned of the need to cut services and jobs to make the deal work.
Published 10 February 2016
Deadline looms for councils to accept government funding deal
Councils have until the end of today to decide whether to accept a funding deal from the Scottish Government.
Published 9 February 2016
Relationships ‘at a new low’ as councils reject Local Government Finance Settlement
A vote by Scotland’s local authorities to reject the package of measures put forward for Scottish local government takes relationships to a new low, according to Fife Council.
Published 1 February 2016
Scottish Welfare Fund tops £81m of support for vulnerable households
More than 178,000 vulnerable households, including around 59,000 families with children, have received essential help to buy everyday products through the Scottish Welfare Fund.
Published 27 January 2016
Swinney urges councils to accept ‘challenging but fair’ funding settlement
Finance secretary John Swinney held talks with council representatives yesterday as he sought to finalise the Local Government Finance Settlement.
Published 27 January 2016
Cross-party tax commission publishes local taxation report
The Commission on Local Tax Reform has published a new report recommending the abolition and replacement of the current council tax system.
Published 15 December 2015
John Swinney urges Chancellor to consider social housing during Autumn Statement
Deputy first minister John Swinney has highlighted social housing as an area of concern as Chancellor George Osborne prepares to deliver his Autumn Statement later this week.
Published 23 November 2015
Panel revealed for independent planning review
The members of an independent panel set up to carry out a “game-changing review” of Scotland’s planning system have been announced by social justice secretary Alex Neil.
Published 18 September 2015
All Scottish councils pledge to welcome refugees from Syria
Scotland's 32 local authorities have agreed to welcome refugees as part of the nation’s efforts to tackle to the humanitarian crisis in Syria.
Published 18 September 2015
Scottish draft budget to be delayed
The Scottish Government’s draft budget for 2016-17 will not be published until after the UK government’s spending review in late November, it has emerged.
Published 1 September 2015
Over 150,000 households given Scottish Welfare Fund assistance
More than 150,000 vulnerable households, including around 50,000 families with children, have received essential help to buy everyday products like nappies, food and cookers through the Scottish Welfare Fund.
Published 28 July 2015