Laura Sharman 16 November 2021

Scottish councils need extra £1bn to 'survive'

Scottish councils need extra £1bn to survive image

Councils in Scotland need more than an extra £1bn a year just to survive, a new briefing has warned.

In its Budget Lobbying Campaign, COSLA called for urgent action to reverse the real terms cuts to councils' budgets in recent years.

It said that in 2021/22, the revenue settlement for local government was just over £11bn. However, its analysis reveals that to survive councils need £12.07bn. It argued that to thrive, councils should receive a settlement of £12.66bn.

Cllr Gail Macgregor, COSLA’s resources spokesperson, said: 'Local government has been the poor relation of recent Budgets and our local knowledge and links need to be used fully before we are past the point of no return. Our communities are starting to show the neglect of an under-funded local government.

'Quite simply, what we need from this Budget is proper funding to provide the everyday services our communities need and deserve.'

On capital funding, COSLA said local government is set to receive £628m in 22/23, which is £11m more than last year. However, it said this a real term cut of 6% since 2013/14 and increases have largely been ringfenced for the expansion of early learning and childcare.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50
This is a high-impact leadership role focused on delivering Cherwell's Climate Action Plan Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services

Cherwell District Council
£113,435.50 - £125,379 / Grade
This is more than a leadership role - it's an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Head of Chief Executive's Office

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50 / Grade M
This is a pivotal leadership position at the heart of the Council Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Short Breaks Community Officer

North East Lincolnshire Council
£28,142 FTE
This is a varied role where no two days will be the same. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Casual Cleaning Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £24,796 Pro rata to hours worked £12.85 per hour
Are you looking for work that fits around your schedule and lifestyle? Casual Cleaning Assistants required post based at the Empire Theatre, Consett. Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner