Councils key to economic growth

May 13 2012

A strong partnership between the Scottish Government and local councils is vital to delivering economic growth, according to Finance Secretary John Swinney.

This weekend Mr Swinney is setting out the SNP administration's approach to working with the 32 Scottish local authorities as final agreements are reached across the country following the elections.

He said a positive partnership with local government is also "central" to improving quality of life throughout Scotland in the "tight public sector spending environment".

Mr Swinney is now planning to meet all council leaders next month.

He said: "Over the last five years that partnership has given local authorities new financial freedoms to address local issues and we have worked together to sustain our economy, to support older people, to clean up communities and to drive up standards in our schools.

"Most recently our partnership has helped to protect 500,000 people - including 250,000 pensioners - from cuts to council tax benefit.

"Although local authority budgets have been maintained, we must all adjust to substantial reductions in the Scottish budget, as pressures on public services continue to increase."

Mr Swinney added: "As leaders in public life, we are bound by a shared commitment to improve people's lives, and the Public Service Reform programme is key to achieving this.

"Our health and social care reforms will ensure that our public services provide consistently high levels of care to older people and other vulnerable adults.

"Building a partnership for progress across the country will be essential as we work together to address challenges of the tight public sector spending climate."