Author: Stirling Websites

Please find below UNISON Scotland’s submission to the Scottish Government and COSLA Consultation on a Fairer Council Tax.

The proposals in this consultation are to raise higher band council tax bills, providing increased funds to local authorities. While we broadly agree with the changes, the response sets out important context in giving qualified approval, particularly the need for sustainable funding for local government.

It concludes by urging the Scottish Government and COSLA to prioritise reform urgently, replacing the council tax with a progressive property tax.

The Energy Support Fund will open on 27 September, with grants of £200 available to support low-income members with their energy costs.

Due to finite funds, we can only accept 2,000 applications. 1,000 will be released at 8.30am and 1,000 at 5pm.

In previous rounds of this fund, demand has been so high that applications open and close within hours, so if you plan to apply, it might be helpful to set a reminder.

Full details on eligibility and how to apply are on the UNISON website here: https://www.unison.org.uk/get-help/services-support/there-for-you/energy-support-fund-2/

It is essential that all members attend our live online Rally with our General Secretary, Christina McAneaon the 19th of September 2023, at 6.30p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1065690591473754?ref=newsfeed

Details of this can be found on the UNISON Scotland website www.unison-scotland.org.uk

Yesterday evening COSLA sent us a revised pay offer. We had no heads-up that this was coming.

This morning our Local Government committee met to consider our response to the revised offer which is attached.

The UNISON Scotland Local Government committee voted unanimously to reject the revised offer outright. We will keep all members updated as matters progress. We have attached our latest response to COSLA also for your information.