COSLA
More details emerge on new social security agency
Social security minister Jeane Freeman has outlined more details on Scotland’s new social security agency and provided an update on the Scottish Government’s progress to abolish the ‘bedroom tax’ at source and in delivering choice in Universal Credit.
Published 20 September 2017
Councils agree next steps to increasing benefit uptake
Social security minister Jeane Freeman met local councils yesterday to discuss the practical steps needed to encourage more people to claim the financial support they are entitled to.
Published 25 August 2017
Aberdeen City Council votes to rejoin COSLA
Aberdeen City Council has agreed to rejoin the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) after a two year absence.
Published 24 August 2017
COSLA calls for joined-up preventative approach to tackle homelessness
An integrated, whole-system approach which addresses social inequalities and goes beyond housing is required to prevent and respond to homelessness in Scotland, according to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
Published 22 June 2017
Budget broadly welcomed by housing sector but fuel poverty funding ‘falls short’
The Scottish Government has reaffirmed its target to build 50,000 affordable homes and pledged more funding to offset the ‘bedroom tax’ though campaigners have criticised the Draft Budget for failing to provide the ambition required to crack the problem of Scotland’s inefficient homes.
Published 16 December 2016
Councils’ homelessness efforts ‘under threat’ from funding cuts
Scotland local authorities have warned that severe cuts to local government will threaten to undo the great efforts councils have made to tackle homelessness.
Published 7 December 2016
Further local government cuts will result ‘severe’ job losses, warns COSLA
Up to 7,000 jobs have gone in local authorities over the past year with thousands more at risk if there are any further cuts to local government funding, Scotland’s councils have warned.
Published 5 December 2016
Councils spend ‘hundreds of millions’ servicing £11.5bn of long-term debt
Scotland’s councils are spending more than half of the money they bring in from Council Tax simply to pay interest on debts, according to the Scottish Greens.
Published 16 November 2016
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
