Local government in Scotland Overview 2021

Publication: Local government in Scotland Overview 2021

Councils and communities worked well together, but impacts of Covid-19 are unequal.

Scotland’s councils reacted quickly, working alongside communities and partners, to address the unprecedented challenges created by Covid-19. Many challenges remain significant, made more urgent by the multiple impacts of Covid-19 on communities and services.

Main report - PDF 3.3MB

All files

Main report (text only) - RTF 111Kb News release - PDF 85Kb Video transcript - RTF 53Kb

Key messages

The Covid-19 pandemic is having a profound impact on all aspects of society, including the economy, jobs, and the physical and mental health of the public
Relationships with communities have been vital
Levels of service disruption have varied
Some services were delivered virtually
The workforce demonstrated the versatility to take on new roles
There were significant changes in council governance structures and processes

Councils continue to face significant financial challenges, and these have been exacerbated by the pandemic
The Scottish Government has provided substantial additional financial support, but the nature and timing of funding has created further challenges for councils
Councils have started to plan for longer term recovery from the crisis
There has been some ongoing learning resulting from the emergency response to the pandemic

Partnerships must be central in protecting and supporting people as we rebuild from Covid-19

Read Stephen Moore's blog

Publication: Local government in Scotland Overview 2021

All files

Key messages

Partnerships must be central in protecting and supporting people as we rebuild from Covid-19

Videos

Commission member Tim McKay looks at the financial challenges faced by councils as part of the publication of our Local Government Overview 2021 report.

Commission member Sophie Flemig examines the impact of Covid-19 on communities and people as part of the publication of our Local Government Overview 2021 report.