Make local government an election priority

COSLA has said that local government must be an election priority and called on the political parties in Scotland to make it one.

With Scotland going to the polls in under three weeks, and the campaign getting back underway, COSLA President Alison Evison highlighted how strong, well-resourced communities have never been more needed than in this past year.

She said that ‘local government is the anchor in our communities’ with a committed workforce who are invested in their communities and take pride in supporting people ‘through good times and bad’.

Evison said: “In terms of our economic impact, councils are often the biggest single employer in most parts of Scotland, mostly employing people from within their own council area who have local knowledge. This means we have employees on the ground, ready, skilled and able to deal with emergency or crisis issues on, if necessary, a street by street basis. Councils have been instrumental in supporting business throughout this crisis and will be crucial as we look to rebuild an economy fit for the future.

“The new Parliament provides the opportunity for parties to put people and communities at the heart of their manifestos through local government and the vital services we deliver.”