All Things Scotland: January policy round up

Leading the policy agenda this week is a new report from the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee. Announcing that Scotland will not meet its ambitious target of being net zero by 2045 without a more empowered local government sector, the report outlined the importance of local democracy by highlight local governments democratic credentials, local knowledge, a capacity to lead by example and well-placed partnerships.

Termed a “watershed moment for tackling climate action”, Cllr Gail Macgregor, COSLA Environment and Economy Spokesperson used the report to drive home local governments need for closer collaboration with Scottish Government, a clear costed roadmap for local governments role and more funding and budget flexibility.

In other climate updates, £21 million has been awarded to Glasgow City Council through the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund to support the introduction of a new twin-stream service for the separate collection of recyclable materials.

Finally, an urgent review of the environmental impacts and management of single-use vapes has been commissioned by Scottish Government.

In a new Scottish Government housing update,  21,825 all-sector new build homes were completed in Scotland in the year to end June 2022, according to quarterly statistics on housebuilding and affordable housing supply published today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician.

Following from last weeks announcements, further detail on the emergency measures to protect tenants rights was confirmed by  Tenants Rights’ Minister Patrick Harvie, with private rents capped and enforcement of evictions prevented in most cases.

David Robertson is appointed as Chief Executive of Scottish Borders Council with immediate effect. Previously Chief Financial Officer at the Council since 2011, find out more about David here.

Oliver Reid took the helm as Chief Executive of Orkney Islands Council. Bringing 30 years of local government experience, you can find more in this Press and Journal article here.

Kate Lackie, currently acting depute chief executive with Highland council will take up the interim Chief Executive post on 1 February 2023.

Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, outlined the case for the Clyde Metro in The Herald call for “bold leadership to reinforce Glasgow and the City Region as a competitive force across Europe and, indeed, the globe.”

The Improvement Service, SafeLives and Resilience Learning Partnership have launched authenticvoice.scot to help embed lived experience in the design of Scottish public services.

An independent study led by the University of Aberdeen’s Social and Innovative Platform on Cultural Tourism Team has highlighted that the five-star Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre in Galashiels has improved public perception of the historic Borders town. Read how the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre is supporting Galashiels town regeneration here.

Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme is unique to Scotland and helps people on low incomes save an average of £750 a year on their council tax bill. Those eligible can also save up to 35% on their water and waste charges.

Delivered in partnership with COSLA and local authorities, regeneration projects in disadvantaged and rural communities across Scotland will receive a share of almost £27 million funding.

A motion passed at a special meeting of North Ayrshire Council asks Craig Hatton, the Chief Executive, to make a “robust” public response to the budget statement challenging, “in the strongest possible terms”, the presentation of the £550 million additional funding for local government.