Scotland
Labour overtake Tories in Scotland
Labour have overtaken the Conservatives to become the second biggest party in Scotland after the Scottish National Party (SNP).
EXCLUSIVE: Councils warned to budget for 4% pay increase
Councils have been warned by local government employers to budget for pay rises of at least 4% this year, The MJ understands.
Scottish census extended amid low completion rate
The Scottish Government has extended the deadline for census returns by four weeks in a bid to boost a completion rate of just 77%.
Court rules housing for homeless families must be appropriate
A judicial review at the Court of Session in Scotland has concluded councils have an ‘absolute duty’ to take into account families’ needs.
Government adviser urges ministers to expand Housing First
Ministers must pile further cash into Housing First schemes if they want to meet their target of ending rough sleeping in England by 2024, a Government adviser has urged.
All regions told to take asylum seekers
All regions of England, Scotland and Wales will be expected to take a share of asylum seekers under a new system of ‘full dispersal,’ the Government has told councils.
Government unveils £2.6bn UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The Scottish and Welsh Governments say they have been short-changed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Council call to invest in staff
Local government leaders have warned the Scottish Government must recognise and invest in council staff to deliver its key priorities for the next three years.
Dumfries and Galloway appoints new chief
Dawn Roberts, who has worked in local government for more than 25 years, will take over from interim chief executive Derek Crichton in July.
Scots watchdog castigates Islands over joint board
A Scots watchdog has issued a scathing report, criticising unlawful decision-making and governance issues in the hiring of senior staff at Orkney and Shetland Valuation Joint Board (VJB).
Uncertain future for Scottish councils' finances
The Accounts Commission found councils were grappling with funding reductions and restrictions as they prepare to meet significant challenges.
Deadline laid down for councillors’ improvement
Members at Moray Council have been given a year to show ‘strong cohesive leadership’ by a local government watchdog.
Care minister tells services to 'start listening'
Scottish social care minister Kevin Stewart has said services need to be more ‘person-centred’.
Councils demand to know more about deposit return scheme
Councils are unsure about the full implications of deposit return schemes ahead of their rollout, according to new research.
Government sign-off required to 'unlock' UKSPF
Councils will have to draw up investment plans to access the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), the Government has revealed.
Council slashes heritage assets figure
East Ayrshire Council has been found to have about half the number of heritage assets it had claimed following an investigation by auditors.
Scotland to ease cross-border placements
Holyrood has proposed removing legal hurdles for cross-border placements of children by English councils.
Scots councils angry after Sturgeon snub
Scottish councils have reacted angrily after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon refused to meet them over the recent funding settlement.
Levelling up funding failing to focus on social issues, finds research
Government levelling up funding is failing to focus on social issues and misses targetting crucial problems, according to new research.
Scottish settlement ‘worst seen’ by leaders
Council leaders in Scotland are demanding a meeting with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon over funding for next year.
