The Scottish Government and COSLA have recently entered into a significant agreement that will strengthen the collaboration between local and national government. The agreement, known as the Verity House Agreement, focuses on a new fiscal framework for the allocation of funding to local councils and regular reviews of their powers. First Minister Humza Yousaf, in an exclusive article for the Herald on Sunday, highlights the importance of this agreement and how it will benefit communities.
Yousaf emphasizes that transforming the relationship between the Scottish Government and local authorities has been a top priority for him since becoming First Minister. He recognizes the vital role that council services play in various aspects of people’s lives, such as education, transportation, housing, and community development. These services, ranging from keeping streets clean to providing housing for the homeless and caring for older people, impact the daily lives of individuals and families in Scotland.
The Verity House Agreement has the potential to revolutionize the way local and national government work together, empowering local communities in the process. Yousaf states that the agreement is based on a shared understanding of the ultimate goals of reducing poverty, creating equal opportunities, and fostering economic growth. He believes that by leveraging the path to Net Zero, Scotland can achieve greater prosperity while focusing on delivering high-quality public services like education, healthcare, housing, and transportation.
The Verity House Agreement lays out the principles that will guide this collaborative effort. One of the key principles is that services and projects should be delivered at the local level, unless otherwise agreed upon. Yousaf highlights the importance of local knowledge in ensuring that services meet the specific needs of different communities throughout Scotland. The agreement also aims to give local councils more flexibility in managing their budgets, allowing them to allocate resources where they are most needed. While some limited ringfencing may still be necessary, it will require the agreement of the councils.
Yousaf believes in empowering councils to ensure they have the necessary resources and authority to address local needs effectively. The Verity House Agreement sets the stage for a new era of collaboration and cooperation between local and national government. However, the changes outlined in the agreement will not happen overnight, given the complexity of the existing relationship between the Scottish Government and local authorities.
Yousaf acknowledges that ongoing negotiations between local authorities and unions over pay further complicate matters. While the Scottish Government does not have a formal role in these negotiations, they have provided £155 million to support a meaningful pay rise for local government workers. Yousaf encourages all parties involved to work together constructively to reach a fair and affordable agreement.
The Verity House Agreement represents a starting point in strengthening the relationship between local and national government in Scotland. It will be followed by a shared program of work aimed at translating the agreed-upon principles into action. A new Fiscal Framework will govern the allocation of councils’ funding, and Yousaf commits to regular meetings with the COSLA President to ensure that councils have the necessary support to serve their communities effectively.
Overall, the signing of the Verity House Agreement marks a historic moment in the relationship between different spheres of government in Scotland. By working together, the aim is to build a fairer, wealthier, and greener Scotland. The article emphasizes the collaborative and empowering nature of the agreement, with a focus on local knowledge and tailored solutions for different communities. The Verity House Agreement sets the stage for a brighter future for local government and the people of Scotland.
