Concordat between the Scottish Government and local government

This concordat sets out the terms of a new relationship between the Scottish Government and local government, based on mutual respect and partnership. It underpins the funding to be provided to local government over the period 2008-09 to 2010-11, and details the move to a Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) for every council, based on the agreed set of national outcomes.

This package represents a fundamental shift in the relationship between the Scottish Government and local government, based on mutual respect. Under the terms of this new partnership, the Scottish Government will set the direction of policy and the over-arching outcomes that the public sector in Scotland will be expected to achieve. The Scottish Government’s intention is to stand back from micro-managing that delivery, thus reducing bureaucracy and freeing up local authorities and their partners to get on with the job.

Under the terms of what has been negotiated, the Scottish Government will provide the cash sums specified in this concordat, together with a number of other components – the Single Outcome Agreement, a significant reduction in ring fencing, streamlining bureaucracy and reporting requirements, retention of efficiency savings and a commitment that there will be no structural reform of local government. In return, local government will contribute directly to the delivery of the key commitments listed, including the freeze on council tax, as well as meeting ongoing pressures within the total amounts provided.