In line with the motion passed at the Shetland Islands Council meeting on 9 September 2020, we will continue to explore options for achieving financial and political self-determination.
This is a longer-term aim, so progress has admittedly been limited within the timescales of this plan. A seminar for elected Members took place in 2023 to consider the motion and the Council has supported COSLA’s work to put forward proposals for more empowered local government. The ‘Vision and Priorities for Local Government and Communities’ was published in November 2022 and has an aim to “ensure that Councils return to their rightful place at the heart of the governance of Scotland”. The plan was approved by all 32 Council Leaders and presents the high-level ambitions, priority themes and policy areas which are the focus of COSLA’s work to 2027. Some of the priorities covered include Strengthening Local Democracy, Supporting the Most Vulnerable in our Communities, and Delivering on a Just Transition to Net Zero.
We have also supported COSLA’s national lobbying of Scottish Government for improved Council funding and a removal of ring-fencing. This contributed to the Verity House Agreement which was signed by Scottish Government and COSLA in June 2023.
As part of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee’s scrutiny of the 2024-25 Scottish budget and the Government’s review of the National Islands Plan, arguments were put forward for greater flexibilities on Islands Programme funding, which would focus on local decision-making and seek to empower local government.
The Council also recently responded to the Scottish Government’s Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee to support the petition seeking to introduce community representation on boards of public organisations delivering lifeline services to island communities.