A report has shown how partnership working between the Scottish
Government and councils is helping to deliver on community
priorities.
Signed in June 2023, the Verity House Agreement sets out
principles for the Scottish Government and the Convention of
Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), the representative body of
all 32 councils, working together to empower local communities,
tackle poverty, transform the economy and provide high-quality
public services.
The Verity House Stocktake report highlights joint work on local
government pay, enabling councils to double the full rate of
council tax on second homes, delivering a new national allowance
for foster and kinship carers, and close engagement around the
Circular Economy Bill.
Finance and Local Government Secretary said the stocktake
illustrated the value of the Agreement in its first year and how
early, open and regular dialogue has helped to navigate
challenges.
Ms Robison said:
“The Verity House Agreement has built the foundations for us to
work alongside local government in a more positive and proactive
way, which enables meaningful and effective delivery of our
shared priorities for the benefit of our communities.
“A key priority for Scottish Government and COSLA over the coming
year will be to identify opportunities to improve our partnership
approach, to fully reflect our shared ambitions such as tackling
child poverty and improving public services.”
Councillor Shona Morrison, President of COSLA, said:
“During the first year of the Verity House Agreement whilst we
have seen some significant challenges, there have been positive
results in many areas where adherence to the VHA principles have
proved their worth.
“It is for this reason that COSLA welcomes publishing this joint
review and why we remain firmly committed to those
principles. We believe that embedding the principles will
not only help us overcome the challenges that remain but will
continue to enhance and improve the critical relationship between
both spheres of government in Scotland.”
Background
Verity House Agreement –
Stocktake One Year On - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
