EMMA RODDICK MSP SAYS VERITY HOUSE AGREEMENT DEMONSTRATES SNP GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO DELIVERING FOR THE PEOPLE OF ORKNEY

Highlands & Islands SNP MSP, Emma Roddick, has welcomed the signing of a landmark agreement between local and national government, saying it demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to empowering local authorities and providing high-quality public services in Orkney.

The Verity House Agreement, which was signed by First Minister Humza Yousaf and COSLA President Shona Morrison, will build a stronger relationship between the Scottish Government and local government; placing mutual trust and respect at its core.

The agreement includes a commitment to a new Fiscal Framework which will guide how local authority funding is allocated, reducing ring-fencing and empowering councils with greater control over their budgets as a result. In addition, the agreement will ensure a regular review of the powers and funding available to local authorities, incorporate the European Charter of Local Self-Government into Scots Law and reform public services.

Commenting on the agreement, Ms Roddick said that, particularly in light of the current debate surrounding Orkney’s place within both Scotland and the UK, the Verity House Agreement acts as a clear demonstration of the SNP Government’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Orkney Islands Council.

She said:

“The current debate surrounding Orkney’s place in both Scotland and the UK is one that the people of Orkney are very much entitled to have, and I am hopeful that folk can see the work that the Scottish Government is doing to strengthen its relationship with local authorities and empower them with greater control.

“Building a new Scotland demands bold thinking and an effective working relationship between local authorities and national government so that the needs of our people and communities can be championed at all levels.

“For me, independence is not the end goal but rather a means to the end of more local democracy and decision-making on a permanent basis. As a former councillor, I am acutely aware that decisions are best made by those they most closely impact and that local approaches are more effective.

“The Verity House Agreement shows the Scottish Government’s sincere and tangible commitment to working alongside Islands Council and moving forward I want to see Orkney empowered to take control and make those big decisions with the best interest of islanders as the utmost priority.