Cosla

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). In its submission to a Parliamentary inquiry into homelessness, COSLA hi

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay 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

Harry McGuigan Scotland local authorities have warned that severe cuts to local government will threaten to undo the great efforts councils have made to tackle homelessness.

COSLA president David O’Neill 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.

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. A report by the party found that the long-term debt being held by Scotland's 32 local authorities totals £11.5 billion including loans fro

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. The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) wants to harness the power of a more locally democratic way of doing

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. The Accounts Commission's annual overview of local government charts a 5 per cent drop in revenue funding in the next financial year

Harry McGuigan New guidance has been issued to support the development of Housing Options approaches in Scotland’s local authorities.

COSLA president David O’Neill The Scottish Government has failed to deliver any meaningful change with its council tax reform proposals, according to COSLA.

Johanna Boyd 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.

Councils have until the end of today to decide whether to accept a funding deal from the Scottish Government. Finance secretary John Swinney held talks with council representatives last month as he asked them to accept the “challenging but fair” Local Government Finance Settlement.

Lesley Laird 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.

Margaret Burgess 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.

John Swinney Finance secretary John Swinney held talks with council representatives yesterday as he sought to finalise the Local Government Finance Settlement.

The Commission on Local Tax Reform has published a new report recommending the abolition and replacement of the current council tax system. The cross-party commission, established jointly by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), brought together representa