Councils voice ‘profound disappointment’ after Government blocks exit payments

Councils have expressed “profound disappointment” at the Scottish Government’s decision to block the introduction of exit payments at next year’s local elections.

Cosla, the umbrella body which represents Scotland’s 32 local authorities, had pushed for a severance scheme in a bid to increase diversity.

The move was recommended by the Scottish Local Authorities Remuneration Committee (SLARC) after the Government asked it to launch a review of councillor pay.

Under the proposals, councillors leaving office could have received up to one month’s salary for each year served up to 12 years – worth up to around £26,000.

MSPs and MPs receive exit payments if they leave office and Cosla had hoped the introduction in time for the next council elections would help remove barriers for those standing.

The body said it has written to Finance and Local Government Secretary Jenny Gilruth to voice its “profound disappointment” at her decision.

Shona Morrison, an SNP councillor and president of Cosla, said: “The Scottish Government’s position represents a significant departure from the expectation created by the Scottish Local Authorities Remuneration Committee recommendation and by the Scottish Government’s own acceptance of the recommendation.

“Cosla is clear that a severance scheme for elected members, which would bring councillors in line with what is already available for MSPs and MPs, is a key part of removing barriers to elected office and increasing the diversity and representation of local government.

“Cosla remains committed to delivering the SLARC recommendations, which include severance, and working constructively with the Scottish Government to deliver this important reform.

“Scotland’s councillors now require a formal commitment by the Scottish Government detailing how they will take forward this recommendation in future.

“Such clarity would help provide reassurance regarding the Government’s continuing commitment to strengthening local democracy and removing barriers to elected office.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “In the context of public sector reform, it is important that the full details of how such a scheme would operate are fully developed, well understood and consulted on as a clear and coherent approach and there is insufficient time to do so before the 2027 local government elections.

“Scottish Government officials will support Cosla in developing full plans for a severance scheme, rather than pursuing an interim solution.”