The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) has highlighted “deep concern about the sustainability of public services in Scotland” in its response to the consultation on the Scottish government’s Resource Spending Review (RSR) framework.
Cosla’s submission pointed out that the proportion of the Scottish government’s budget allocated to local government had fallen from 34% in 2013/14 to 28% in 2022/23, while the mid-scenario modelled in the RSR framework suggests a funding gap of £3.5bn in 2026/27.
“Local government has been making efficiency savings for over a decade and the cracks are now starting to show,” the submission stated.
“Any suggestion that the funding gap be met by local government through further efficiencies is false – services will continue to have to be cut if the erosion of core funding continues and we will see greater loss of talent and an inability to attract the next generation.”
Cosla called for greater investment in and recognition of the local government workforce. It said that the “burden of austerity” had fallen on low-paid workers including those in councils undertaking front-line roles.
To deliver on the RSR’s priorities – child poverty, climate change and the economy – there needed to be greater recognition of the “critical roles” played by local government workers.
“If not, and further efficiencies are sought from an already hard-worked sector, we will see increased levels of absence, of leavers and a continuing reduction in applicants to fill the void.”
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