Scotland
EXCLUSIVE: Questions over taskforce purpose
Local government associations have called for ministers to define the purpose of a new taskforce ahead of April’s launch of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), The MJ understands.
Benefits teams overcome COVID challenges
Most councils in Scotland maintained or improved benefits services during the COVID-19 pandemic while battling short staffing and technological issues, a report has found.
Scotland has made progress in ending homelessness, says new report
Better emergency accommodation and extending the temporary ban on eviction orders enforcement have helped Scotland make progress in ending homelessness, says a new report.
Westminster wins legal battle with Holyrood
The UK Government has blocked two Scottish Parliament Bills after winning the backing of the Supreme Court.
Scotland follows Wales in opposing controversial Elections Bill
The Scottish Government has paved the way for Scotland to follow Wales in refusing to recommend consent for the UK Elections Bill.
Watchdog criticises council's slow pace of improvement
Audit Scotland found South Ayrshire Council had ‘made limited progress on key aspects of Best Value’.
Watchdog warns East Dunbartonshire on housing
The Accounts Commission said the council was well led overall, but raised concerns over the poor performance of its housing services.
Pressure grows on government over funds announcement
Scotland’s council leaders have called for the UK Government to announce the outcome of applications to the community renewal and levelling up funds without delay.
Councils call for 'honesty' on National Care Service costs
COSLA has said the funding should instead be invested in care services currently provided by councils.
Angus may use COVID reserves to plug budget holes
Angus Council may use reserves put aside for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic to plug looming holes in its budget over the next two years.
Scottish councils blindsided over social care reforms
Scottish Government proposals around children’s services, community justice and alcohol and drug treatment were smuggled into a consultation ‘at the very last minute,’ a council body has complained.
Council warns of further budget pressure
North Lanarkshire Council has warned of further pressure on budgets amid funding cuts and cost pressures.
Westminster accused of Scottish ‘power grab’
A minister has suggested the UK Government could bypass Edinburgh to work with councils on infrastructure planning, provoking a furious response from the SNP.
Scottish union to hold nationwide strike ballot
Councils in Scotland have been put on notice as Unison ballots members over industrial action.
Becoming a trusted news source for care in Scotland
Jenny Copland of the Care Inspectorate discusses how putting simple measures in place before COVID-19 hit enabled her team to share crucial updates with care professionals.
Highland alarm at care proposals
The council is to ask for an extension to the Scottish Government’s consultation on its planned National Care Service.
Call for fair funding for Scottish councils
Councils should not have their ‘hands tied’ by funding constraints, the Scottish Government has been told.
Tax ‘loophole’ costs councils £110m
New research suggests business rates relief for holiday lets is currently worth £110m a year.
Charity working for council to cut 500 jobs
The charity delivering cultural and leisure services in Glasgow on behalf of the city council is planning to cut 500 jobs over the next few years as a result of the pandemic.
Peers call for council tax reform
A cross-party chorus of peers has called for reform of the council tax system and new bands to be introduced.
