SCOTLAND’S council leaders agreed unanimously before the referendum that the benefits of staying in the EU considerably outweighed those of leaving.
We all know some communities feel remote from decision-making. One of the biggest tasks is the pressing need to change that, but Brexit is becoming another example of central decision-making.
Councils have a relatively weak position in the UK and Scotland. We need a process that ensures, wherever possible, services are controlled and delivered by the part of government closest to the citizens, instead of the centre.
Read more: Beyond Brexit - Holyrood 'keeping Scottish councils in dark' about Brexit
If there are to be repatriated EU powers they must not simply be kept at Westminster or Holyrood.
I am concerned the First Minister’s Standing Council on Europe has not got local government expert input into it. There are times where certain policy areas should be coordinated UK-wide, but I want this done by a standing inter-country arrangement involving the UK local authority associations, devolved governments and relevant UK departments.
Without this there is a potential threat to the single UK market. Such an arrangement could also develop successor trade agreements, and ensure the rights to accountable local services are not undermined.
Read more: Beyond Brexit - Holyrood 'keeping Scottish councils in dark' about Brexit
Another big issue is EU funding, for two straightforward reasons. The first is the quantity – about £100 million a year through local government – which supports infrastructure investment, and diversifying and strengthening the economy by improving skills and supporting small businesses.
The second is the certainty a seven-year funding programme provides. We must retain something similar, ideally co-ordinated across the UK, with councils’ engagement.
The EU has been good for local government and the communities we are elected to serve. That is why I am determined Cosla’s voice is heard.
Cllr Harry McGuigan, lead member for Europe for Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
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