Calls are increasing for funding that will save council services from “a crisis point like never before - the impact for communities is serious and needs to be reconsidered”.
CoSLA, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, has launched an ‘SOS call’ in advance of the Scottish Budget on 15 December, underlining the funding gaps councils face as ‘crisis point’.
CoSLA highlights the vital role councils play in supporting communities day to day, and in supporting other public services such as the NHS for example by early prevention work.
Directors of Finance across Scotland’s councils have also taken the step of raising their serious concerns about the financial sustainability of councils, with the Scottish Government’s Deputy First Minister.
Councillors of Argyll and Bute Council had already appealed to residents to engage with their parliamentarians about the importance of funding the services they need.
Councillor Gary Mulvaney, Policy Lead for Financial Services said:
“Cutting funding for councils is cutting council services for communities. We want to save council services. These are difficult times for everyone – the day-to-day support, and longer term recovery services that councils provide are especially needed now.”
Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council said:
“Council services touch all aspects of people’s lives. It may not always be noticed – employees for example don’t all wear recognisable uniform like some other public sector organisations - but we’re there every day, year round, in one way and another. We will continue to work with CoSLA and others to back a sustainable future for councils, and would encourage everyone to join us in backing council services for Argyll and Bute.”
Councillor Jim Lynch, Leader of the largest opposition group in the council, said
“Councillors are working together to do the best possible for Argyll and Bute in these unprecedented times. We want council services to be there, supporting people when they need it, driving the area’s economy to growth and a successful future. The focus is on doing all we can to support our residents, businesses and the area as a whole now and in the longer term.”
Please find here parliamentarian contacts for Argyll and Bute:
Scottish Parliament:www.parliament.scot/msps
UK Parliament:Contact information for Brendan O'Hara - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament