Chamber and committees

We all understand that, as the Scottish Government is in exactly the same position with regard to energy bills for hospitals and so on.

I am interested in hearing Councillor Hagmann’s response. Does a measure such as the Scottish child payment, which has lifted around 90,000 children out of poverty, have a knock-on effect on councils as well? Does that stop some families looking for additional support from councils?

I thank the panel for coming along this morning.

Perhaps I can start with David Robertson, although I am happy for others to come in. You described the fiscal framework as a prize worth having; indeed, Councillor Hagmann has already touched on the three shared priorities of tackling poverty, transition to net zero and sustainable public services. My initial question is: to what extent does the 2024-25 budget enable local government to progress those shared priorities? That said, I am also quite interested in how you think that might look in future, when we have the fiscal framework. Is it realistic to have complementary policies from national and local government that focus on those priorities and which ensure that you work together on finding the best way of meeting the needs of people and communities?

Minister, you mentioned the autumn statement. Do you feel that COSLA and local government, and perhaps the public more generally, understand the seriousness and depth of the impact that it is actually having?

Good morning, minister. Previously, we have heard directors of finance and COSLA arguing that budget reductions result in councils spending all their time and money on reacting to problems instead of trying to prevent them from arising. What are your reflections on that?

Do you see that as something that you can embed in your frameworks?

That is helpful.

I would be happy to hear from Councillor Hagmann and Mirren Kelly on that issue.

No, I just need to declare an interest that I forgot about earlier. Until 2022, I was a councillor at South Lanarkshire Council.

Okay. Thanks.

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