Losing councils from COSLA ‘weakens all of Scottish local government’

The loss of four councils from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) weakens the whole of local government in Scotland, according to the organisation’s president.

Glasgow, Aberdeen City, Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire Councils have all decided to quit the umbrella body.

However, in his speech to the joint COSLA/Improvement Service conference today, David O’Neill is expected to tell delegates he plans to work “tirelessly” to bring them back.

Make no mistake, I feel the loss of any one member 

He will say: “Make no mistake, I feel the loss of any one member and the fact that four councils are still choosing to leave weakens the whole of local government including those four councils. 

“Both myself and my political colleagues have done our best to create the circumstances where some felt able to change their decision.

“In one sense we ended the year in less difficulty than we might have but nevertheless, in terms of membership, in an unhappy and unsatisfactory place. 

“Conference can be assured that I will work tirelessly over the next period to create the circumstances to allow every council back into COSLA membership.”

Despite this being a tough year for COSLA, O’Neill is pleased many have rallied round the cause of “collectivism and the continuation of a single voice” for local government. 

His speech will include: “Many have recognised, through the Commission [on Strengthening Local Democracy in Scotland] work and other forums, the job that local government as an institution has to do and the importance of being able to negotiate space, time and resources to do that job. 

“The idea that COSLA would in some senses be weakened, challenged or be rendered powerless has been unacceptable to so many of you that, despite the membership difficulties, we have had a year where we have been able to negotiate positively and robustly on your behalf. 

“We are still the organisation of local government and we have a unique role in operating on that basis.

“Our collective voice is precious.  I am convinced that there are enough councils and councillors who support that collective voice and from this position, we will become stronger not weaker. 

“I want the coming year to be one of rebuilding our position of full membership so that voice is at its strongest.”

Following O'Neill's comments, Cllr Jenny Laing, chairwoman of the Scottish Local Government Partnership​, which represents Aberdeen City, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire Councils, said: "The Scottish Local Government Partnership represents almost 25 per cent of Scotland's population - and yet the areas have not received a fair share of economic development funding. The partnership was set up to allow councils to lobby collectively or individually as their individual needs require.

"The Scottish Government has already consulted councils separately over teacher numbers, so this model is already taking hold. Scotland needs a more responsive, more efficient and more effective voice for local government."