SNP government dismissed councils financial concerns as ‘political lobbying’ in shocking private briefing
The Scottish Government has been blasted after it was revealed officials privately claimed that struggling councils were overplaying their financial concerns due to “political lobbying.” And they also hit out at “increasingly questionable decisions” being made by local authorities amid money worries.
Humza Yousaf promised to “reset” his administration’s relationship with town hall chiefs after it deteriorated massively under Nicola Sturgeon, who was accused of centralising power. However, the first minister managed to commit a “serious breach” just months later when he announced a council tax freeze without consulting local authorities.
Cosla were locked in urgent talks with the SNP Executive for months over a fair funding deal, with the original £144m promised rejected as not enough to cover the financial black hole brought about by the freeze. Finance secretary Shona Robison was forced to threaten to withhold extra Barnett Consequentials to ensure councils complied with her demands.
Now, the Scottish Daily Express can reveal that the Scottish Government wrote a briefing note which shed doubt on the financial worries suffered by local authorities. It was analysis about whether any councils north of the border may declare bankruptcy, after Birmingham did so in England.
The note was about local authorities “financial sustainability” with officials writing: “Over a number of years, COSLA and individual councils have repeatedly raised concerns over the sustainability of local services due to the financial challenges facing local authorities.Whilst aspects of those concerns can be attributed to political lobbying, the concerns are not wholly unfounded.
“As a consequence of financial challenges, increasingly questionable decisions are being taken to balance short term budgets, for example by deferring costs to future years, thereby increasing future financial pressures.” Councils have long called for more funding from the Scottish Government.
Many are making brutal decisions to shut down community buildings, such as halls and libraries, due to a lack of money from central government. In Glasgow, hundreds of teachers role were slashed, and parking charges were increased in the city centre.
A number of local authorities had to cut the budget for health care in the community, including in Paisley where Nat councillors voted to shut a popular care home. Rivals pointed out that councils are already “cut to the bone” thanks to SNP under-funding.
Scottish Conservative finance spokeswoman Liz Smith told the Scottish Daily Express: “Savage SNP cuts have left our local authorities cut to the bone, yet in private it seems government officials are all too happy to dismiss these concerns.
“It is time SNP ministers delivered a fair funding deal for councils to stop leaving them in a position of making impossible choices for our local communities. If this is how they feel in private, then they should be upfront with councils in public over future funding.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Ministers work closely with councils and COSLA throughout the Budget process. They have always been up-front with councils about the challenging financial circumstances Scotland is facing.
“The Deputy First Minister has made clear that the UK Government’s Spring Budget and Autumn Statement failed to deliver the funding Scotland needs for public services. Despite that and given the vital services delivered by councils across Scotland, the 2024-25 Scottish Budget provides record funding for local government of over £14 billion.”
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