Details of progress towards a new fiscal framework between the
Scottish Government and Local Government have been published.
The Verity House Agreement committed the Scottish Government and
COSLA to establish a new framework, which will govern how
councils’ funding is negotiated and agreed.
It is intended to give councils greater flexibility over their
budgets to deliver our shared priorities and meet local needs.
Publishing the update together with COSLA, Deputy First Minister
said:
“We have made good progress on the new fiscal framework, which is
an important plank of the Verity House Agreement and our
commitment to better partnership working with local government.
“Already many of the principles we have agreed together are being
put into practice, such as improved engagement ahead of the
publication of the Scottish Budget and joint working to consider
new local tax powers.
“We will continue to work closely with COSLA to progress the next
phase of work and continue the positive discussions we’ve had
with them on behalf of local councils across Scotland.”
COSLA Resources Spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said:
“I welcome this update on progress towards the new fiscal
framework- getting this framework in place is a priority for
Local Government.
“The new framework should, when complete, give councils greater
flexibility over our budgets and enable us to deliver our shared
priorities and meet local needs. It will also see much earlier
budget engagement.
“The Verity House Agreement commits both spheres of Government to
establish a new framework, and it is positive that we have made
progress this year but there is more to do, which Ms Robison and
I both acknowledge.”
Background
Progress report on the fiscal
framework for local government
Government Inspired Question
The Verity
House Agreement
