Finance

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.

READ MORE: ‘Delusional’ Humza Yousaf accuses the media of being ‘openly hostile’ towards the SNP and of spreading ‘disinformation’

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.

Parking charges in Glasgow are increasing as the council looks to fill a financial void

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.


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