A REAL-TERMS reduction in local government funding over recent years must be halted to prevent Scotland’s communities and businesses suffering the effects of further cutbacks, Cosla demanded today.

Ahead of next month’s budget, Scotland’s local authority body said that local government’s unique role in economic transformation must be recognised to enable meaningful reinvestment in the services underpinning the economy. 

Councils reiterated the importance of their significant spending power and the potential to build local wealth. 

Cosla also warned that without adequate funding for local government to support economic transformation, issues such as unemployment and child poverty will continue to rise, hitting communities hard and costing the whole system more in the long run.

Cosla resources spokesperson councillor Gail Macgregor said: “The economic challenges faced across Scotland require a new response — one in tune with the needs of local areas and that is resourced sustainably. 

“The Scottish budget on December 9 presents a perfect opportunity to reset Scottish public spending in a way that empowers councils to achieve their ambition for our communities, creating jobs and sharing prosperity.”