How can local government support thriving and prosperous communities?
Welcome to All Things Scotland, LGIU’s weekly collation of everything local government in Scotland. This week we bring you all the latest reports and updates to keep you informed, engaged and connected.
Amidst the gloom of a disappointing local government finance settlement, this briefing looks at the main findings of the recent financial bulletin 2021-22 and at how councils in Scotland are currently dealing with budget pressures while preparing for the challenges that lie ahead.
Rural councils face specific funding challenges in meeting the needs of their communities and they rely heavily on federal and state government grants. This briefing identifies possible options for other forms of sustainable income, including drawing from examples of existing alternative income streams deployed by local government across Australia.
For 15 years, the UK economy has stagnated, especially outside London and the south east. International evidence suggests economic under-performance is linked to England’s centralised state. This briefing analyses a report from Centre for Cities and the Resolution Foundation which makes a case for radical reform of local economic governance, responsibilities and funding.
Covering the last few weeks of 2022 and the first weeks of 2023, this latest policy bulletin includes vital insights into key documents that impact local government. This month’s big issue is finance – the impact of the Scottish Government budget on local government has been dominating headlines week after week.
This briefing looks at the recent Scottish Budget, focusing principally on how the budget has influenced funding for councils through the Provisional Scottish Local Government Financial Settlement for 2023-24. It also includes a brief comparison between Scottish and English financial settlements.
This briefing provides an overview of ‘New Britain: The report of the Commission on the UK’s future’, chaired by Gordon Brown, and published on 5 December 2022. It makes over 40 recommendations for consultation during 2023.
This new edition covers policy/research papers from October/November 2022, which saw another change of prime minister. Rishi Sunak’s first task was to restore economic stability and market confidence. As winter arrives, public services – and the whole country – face tough challenges from the cost of living and industrial unrest.
Following the Scottish government’s budget release today, the LGIU team has released an initial response covering the government’s key prioritises and what the implications are for local government.
This briefing looks at the local and regional dimensions of the Autumn Statement including announcements on devolution, spatial infrastructure priorities and a new approach to investment zones.
