Scotland
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.
Councils resist government's changed 'stay alert' message
Areas with higher coronavirus rates have urged residents to stay at home amid fears the Government’s change of message to ‘stay alert’ was confusing.
Scots care staff to get pay hike
Scottish social care staff are to receive an immediate 3.3% pay increase backdated from 1 April after an agreement between the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.
Sector on 'turbo-charge' to get homeless off streets
Local government is on ‘turbo-charge’ in its efforts to get the homeless off the streets amid the coronavirus crisis, the Prime Minister’s adviser on rough sleeping has said.
Councils ease parking restrictions to help coronavirus fight
Councils across the UK are reducing parking restrictions as part of the fight against coronavirus.
Budget 2020: New West Yorkshire mayor announced
A new directly-elected West Yorkshire mayor has been announced with the Government signing a new £1.8bn devolution deal amid plans to ‘level up’ the UK economy.
Scottish ministers hit out at UK austerity
Scottish ministers have blamed UK austerity measures for the financial difficulties facing councils north of the border.
City region deal to be signed
The Stirling and Clackmannanshire city region deal will be signed by council leaders and representatives of the UK and Scottish governments today.
Uncertainty puts East Lothian procurement on hold
Uncertainty over the future of waste and recycling in Scotland has led to East Lothian Council pushing back procurement of a contract for bin collections.
Call for new audit board
An independent review has been urged to back the creation of a board to oversee the local audit system.
Short-term thinking
Ahead of the impending introduction of new licensing powers for short-term lets in Scotland, Stephen McGowan says the Scottish Government needs to give full attention to the impact the regulations will pose to already-struggling local authorities.
Rates repatriation revolt collapses
An attempt to repatriate the setting of business rates to Scottish councils has collapsed.
'Hidden cuts' in Scottish Budget
Council leaders have complained about ‘hidden cuts’ in a Scottish Budget that will deliver £11.3bn for council services in 2020/21.
Scottish councils’ improvements ‘stalling’
Spending on culture and leisure, economic development, and roads all fell by around a quarter last year, according to a study.
Watchdog concerns over sustainability and services at Highland Council
The Accounts Commission expects the council to ‘demonstrate improvement in the next 12 months’ by implementing a series of recommendations made by Audit Scotland.
