Fife Council: Calls for a fair deal for local government

Fife Council calls for 'bold new settlement' ahead of Holyrood election <i>(Image: Google)</i>
Fife Council calls for 'bold new settlement' ahead of Holyrood election (Image: Google)
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Fife Council has urged all political parties to prioritise a "bold new settlement" for local government in Scotland.

It comes as part of a nationwide call from Scotland's 32 councils ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.

Their collective manifesto, spearheaded by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), will be officially unveiled in November.

The manifesto highlights a pressing need for a balanced relationship between national and local government, supported by sustainable long-term funding.

Scotland's councils are struggling with a £647 million national funding gap and an 11 per cent reduction in workforce since 2013, as demand for services such as education, housing, and social care continues to rise.

The manifesto's main request is for a £750 million immediate increase in social care funding, alongside fair, flexible, and multi-year funding agreements to prevent the decline of crucial services.

The manifesto also calls for a full commitment to the principles of the Verity House Agreement, a cross-government pledge to treat councils as equal partners in decision-making, as well as reform of council tax, and the devolution of new revenue-raising powers to councils.

Councillor Shona Morrison, COSLA's president, said: "We cannot continue to ignore the vital role of local democracy in delivering better outcomes for the communities we are elected to represent.

"This manifesto is a turning point.

"It sets out the clear case for a new relationship with national government - one built on parity of esteem, trust and shared ambition."

Fife Council Leader, Councillor David Ross, echoed these sentiments, stating: "This manifesto sets out the urgent need for investment in our vital local services and has unanimous cross-party support across Scotland’s 32 councils.

"It makes the case not only for an end to the erosion of core funding for local government services, but also highlights the need for greater devolution of powers and a fair deal for local government."

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