EFFORTS to put the reigns on a newly-formed council body have been frustrated after Whitehall said it would recognise the fledging organisation.

Scottish secretary Alistair Carmichael said the "same level of access" enjoyed by the body representing the vast majority of Scotland's councils would be extended to the Scottish Local Government Partnership (SLGP).

Details of the Scotland Office's willingness to do business came just 24 hours after The Herald revealed Cosla was lobbying civil servants to cold shoulder the new partnership.

A leaked report by the umbrella body's officials stated that while Westminster or Scottish Government can "either have Cosla representing 28 councils or the partnership representing four but they cannot have both".

The plans also showed it intends to pursue the rebel authorities making up the SLGP for seven-figure liabilities, bill it for hundreds of thousands of pounds for negotiating on its behalf and refuse cooperation it over areas of mutual interest.

Senior SLGP figures have now said the stance leaves Cosla no option but to follow through on its threat and boycott dealings with the UK Government.

The Herald also understands both Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have indicated they too will work with the partnership, made up of the four councils which split with Cosla last year.

Aberdeen, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire, all Labour-run, walked out following rows over where the power lies within the organisation, how funding to local authorities is distributed and the overall effectiveness of the body.

In his letter to senior SLGP figures Mr Carmichael claims that he regretted that "relationships have deteriorated to the point where you have not been able to remain in Cosla", urging both to "continue in your efforts to find an

accommodation that will allow you to best serve the interests of Scottish local government and above all the people you represent".

Crucially, he adds: "I take the view that my responsibilities extend to all of Scotland, and given the reality of the situation presented to me I am, of course, willing to recognise and meet with the Partnership and to extend the same level of access and dialogue as is enjoyed by Cosla and indeed by individual Scottish local authorities."

Cllr Jenny Laing, leader of the SLGP cabinet, said: "An increasing number of organisations are recognising that there is room at the table for everyone and are making preparations for how we will all work together in future.

"I understand that Cosla voted to exclude themselves from working with any organisations who agree to work with the Partnership.

"Cosla members play a very important role in Scotland. They represent areas which are responsible for around half of Scotland's economic output. The people they represent will be the ones who suffer if they go ahead with their boycott."

A Cosla Spokesman said: "I am absolutely delighted for them although I have to say I find it a little bit odd. It is bizarre that they are playing access to the Scotland Office as a major success when they got this by the barrowload as part of Cosla.

"Interesting that they say they got nothing from Cosla and leave and yet play up this as a major win, when they already had it."