Cosla

Harper Macleod’s Jennifer Jack discusses the COSLA conference taking place in St Andrews this week and the powers local authorities have to get empty homes back into use. COSLA's 2019 Annual Conference takes place today and tomorrow (10 & 11 October), looking at local government issues 20

The Scottish Government has launched a £3 million action plan to tackle the discrimination and challenges faced by the Gypsy/Traveller community.

A ground-breaking response to homelessness in Scotland has reached a milestone with more than 100 people having a home of their own along with appropriate support. Figures for July have revealed that 103 people across six local authority areas in Scotland who were formerly homeless have been housed

An additional £9 million of funding will be provided to local authorities to prevent homelessness and help people into more permanent accommodation.

New powers across areas of health, environment and leisure services could be given to local communities after initial findings from a review into the devolution of local powers show that people overwhelmingly want more say about how public services are run in their area.

The first of a series of collaborative workshops to explore ways to increase offsite construction of affordable homes has been launched at Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) by housing minister Kevin Stewart.

The Scottish Government has made an additional £80 million available over the next two years to help councils deliver affordable homes. In 2019-20 council areas will benefit from an extra £42m on previously announced funding for affordable housing. In 2020-21, councils wil

“Fundamental change” is required to ensure Scotland’s councils deliver services in the face of ever decreasing funding, according to the local authority watchdog. The Local Government Overview 2019 report by the Accounts Commission warned that while councils are managing to improve

Glasgow could become the first city in the UK to pilot changes to the asylum process after a multi-agency taskforce recommended a number of proposed reforms. The city is keen to lead the way on proposed changes to the existing system agreed by partners on its Asylum Taskforce, which includes the Hom

The Scottish Government has launched a £50 million fund to help boost town centres. The Town Centre Fund, which has been set up in partnership with COSLA, is supporting councils to ensure their high streets are more diverse, sustainable and successful in the face of changing and evolving retai

Local government body COSLA has issued new guidance on the rights of migrants to services provided by local authorities in Scotland. The guidance explores how councils can provide support for vulnerable people who are classed under UK immigration law as having no recourse to public funds.

Rough sleeping prevention and a shift towards rapid rehousing are among the key aims of a new Scottish Government action plan to bring an end to homelessness in Scotland. The Ending Homelessness Together Action Plan sets out measures for national and local government and the third sector who provide

Integration authorities, councils and NHS boards need to show a stronger commitment to collaborative working to achieve the real long term benefits of an integrated health and social care system, according to the Accounts Commission. A report for the watchdog and the Auditor General published today

An innovative housing scheme to support young people as they leave care has been nominated for an award. The Leaving Care Housing Protocol scheme means youngsters who have been looked after by West Dunbartonshire Council are provided with additional support and secure tenancies when they become old

A refreshed joint strategy has been launched between the Scottish Government and COSLA which champions independent living for older people within their community. The initiative will also help older people understand how their housing choices will impact on their lives as they age.