COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison has expressed her disappointment on today’s Supreme Court judgment.

Commenting today (6 October 2021) Councillor Evison said:

“In relation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Bill – which will be returned to the Scottish Parliament to be looked at again by MSPs – I would reiterate the COSLA position that we fully support this Bill and the Rights of the Child which we place at the centre of all our work with Children and Young People.”

“The European Charter of Local Self-Government Bill was set to strengthen Local Government by incorporating the Charter into Scots law and given the Bill was passed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament and fully supported by Local Government and unanimously by COSLA Leaders today’s ruling on that is also very disappointing.

“However, the decision has been taken and we will now seek to work with the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government to ensure that all the work done around both Bills will not be lost.

“Obviously today’s judgment will require scrutiny and full consideration. Local Government must have a meaningful role in whatever comes next and as a valued sphere in the Governance of Scotland.”