Councils lost 7,000 jobs last year due to Scottish Government cuts – COSLA

David O'Neill: Photo credit: COSLA

Scottish councils lost 7,000 jobs last year due to Scottish Government funding cuts, according to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).

The local government umbrella body, which represents 28 of Scotland’s 32 councils, said a cut to local government funding from central government in next week’s draft budget would have severe consequences for jobs across the country.

COSLA president, Councillor David O’Neill, said: “The Scottish Government needs to realise that if as a result of their political choices the local government settlement is cut again next week – this will have severe consequences for jobs across Scotland.

“There were 7,000 job losses arising from the £350 million cut to Scottish councils last year. 

“A further reduction in budget of similar proportions, on an already reduced base, will have even more severe consequences for job losses in councils and have a wider knock on effect for jobs within communities.

“We need to remember that services are delivered by these people – no people, no services to communities.

“The Scottish Government needs to remember that in many areas the council is the largest employer and therefore a cut in council jobs has a devastating knock on effect for people and local economies.  

“Consequences for families and communities will be severe due to reduced local spending and the economic vibrancy of many communities will be threatened.”

He added that the Scottish Government “should be made aware” of the wider economic development perspective as a result of any cuts to council budgets.

“Any further reductions in funding for councils, combined with an expectation that statutory services such as education and social care are maintained, can only mean a disproportionate reduction in discretionary services such as economic development,” he said. 

Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Alex Rowley said the SNP shouldn't use the Scottish Parliament as a “conveyor belt” for Tory austerity.

He added: "Last year the SNP cut £500 million from local council budgets. This has had a direct impact on vital local services, like schools and social care. When the 2017 budget is unveiled later this month, councils could face further SNP cuts.

“Only by investing in our local public services can we give people the skills they need to get on. Labour will amend any SNP budget to use the tax powers of the Scottish Parliament so we can invest in public services rather than carrying on with Tory austerity."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Audit Scotland last week published their independent report into council finances and found that local government had experienced the same reduction in funding as was imposed on the Scottish Government by Westminster. It is therefore clear that local government has been treated very fairly despite the cuts to the Scottish budget from the UK Government.

“Local government finance settlements were maintained in Scotland on a like for like basis over the period 2012/16 with extra money for new responsibilities resulting in total settlements of £10.8 billion in 2014/15 and of over £10.85 billion in 2015/16.

“Taking into account the addition of the £250 million to support the integration of health and social care, the overall reduction in 2016-17 funding equates to less than 1 per cent of local government’s total estimated expenditure in 2016/17. We remain committed to engaging COSLA in further dialogue on a range of issues.

“The Finance Secretary will publish the Scottish Draft Budget later this month that will support our economy, tackle inequality and provide high-quality public services for all.”