Scotland
Devo is a 'stepping stone to localism', PM tells Scots Tories
Devolution should be a stepping stone to passing power down to local communities and businesses, Boris Johnson has told Scottish Conservatives.
Proportional votes to come to Wales
Proportional voting will be introduced to Welsh council elections for the first time as the franchise is extended to 16- and 17-year olds and foreigners.
Jenrick defends PM amid devo 'disaster' claim
Communities secretary Robert Jenrick has defended the Prime Minister’s claim that devolution in Scotland has been a ‘disaster’.
Sunak's cash pledge to head off revolt
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has pledged extra cash in a bid to head off a revolt by a new northern group of Conservative MPs.
Scots union calls for urgent meeting to address funding
Unison Scotland has called for an urgent meeting with Scottish finance secretary Kate Forbes in a bit to address the growing finance crisis.
Two Scots councils set for level four
Two Scottish local authority areas are in line for a new severe level four lockdown according to a letter from the Scottish government to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.
Northern Irish legal case could set precedent across UK
Northern Irish councils have suggested local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales could benefit after a ‘landmark’ legal case.
Budget cancellation ‘unacceptable’
The cancellation of the autumn Budget has created 'huge uncertainty,' the Scottish Government has said.
Mind the gap in Scotland
The latest figures show Scotland’s deficit between income and spending compared to the deficit for the whole of the UK has widened. Michael Burton delves into the statistics.
A Programme of change for Scotland
Scotland’s new Programme for Government offered Indyref 2 as the showstopper, but for local government across the UK the focus will be on the findings of a review to consider the move to a National Care Service. Heather Jameson reports.
Scottish councils release blueprint for change
A local government blueprint laying out the changes required to unlock councils’ full potential has been published by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) today.
Scotland launches launches plans for National Care Service
Scotland’s first minister has launched a review aimed at nationalising care services north of the border.
Scots deficit widens in blow to nationalists
In a blow to Scottish separatists Scotland’s notional deficit widened to 8.6% of gross domestic product (GDP) last year according to latest official figures.
Moray Council remains 'deeply worrying', says Accounts Commission
Declining services at Moray Council are ‘deeply worrying’, the Accounts Commission has claimed, after nearly a decade and a half of concerns about the council.
At the sharp end of Scottish scrutiny
The chair of Scotland’s public spending watchdog for councils steps down this month. Graham Sharp talks to Ann McGauran about his legacy and says the challenges have never been greater.
Scots councils to get COVID cash top up
The Scottish Parliament has agreed to top up its funding to councils to deal with the coronavirus crisis.
Councils in fresh Brexit warning
Scotland’s council leaders today warned that the lack of progress on Brexit talks posed a ‘significant risk’ to local government services.
EXCLUSIVE: LGA split over worker bonus
A cross-party agreement that the Local Government Association (LGA) would lobby for a coronavirus payment to staff was ditched after senior councillors blocked the move, The MJ can reveal.
Watchdog urges faster improvement at Argyll and Bute
The council has been told it must ‘significantly increase’ the pace of improvement by the Accounts Commission.
Scots charities launch bid to end rough sleeping
A coalition of Scots charities will today present plans their plans to end rough sleeping to the Scottish Government.
