Listen
Swinney in talks with Scotland's Councils
18/07/2007
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney is to undertake a series of local council visits this summer to discuss the new relationship between the Scottish Government and local authorities.
Central to the talks will be the Government's plans to increase the role of local authorities and to freeze the council tax.
On a visit to Renfrewshire and East Ayrshire Councils today, Mr Swinney said:
"Over the summer months I will be visiting councils and local communities across Scotland. My aim is to build a consensus around how we can make Scotland a wealthier and fairer place to live.
"I want to see a strong working relationship between the new Scottish government and the local authorities who are central to governance in Scotland.
"Replacing the unfair and repressive council tax system with a fairer tax system based on ability to pay is fundamental to meeting this objective and will be one of the key points on my agenda when meeting with council leaders.
"Increasing sustainable, economic growth requires shared commitment across the public and private sectors. This is why I will be meeting with local businesses, the energy and tourism industries as well as visiting local public services. I am particularly keen to see how we can improve on the good work already underway in local areas to deliver best value for taxpayers."
During today's visits, Mr Swinney also received a tour of the West Kilmarnock Area Centre, visited the Burns Monument in East Ayrshire and met with staff at Doosan Babcock Energy Limited in Renfrew.