Leaked document shows Humza Yousaf 'regret' over SNP council tax freeze announcement

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Humza Yousaf said he regrets the way the SNP announced a council tax freeze without telling local authorities, a leaked document reveals.The First Minister is said to have admitted the surprising announcement was a “setback” for relations with councils.The leaked paper by council umbrella body COSLA also claimed civil servants were unaware of the one-year policy and had concerns.Council bosses are furious Yousaf backed a freeze at SNP conference this week without informing them.

They fear the policy will not be fully funded and will leave them having to make massive cuts.It triggered an emergency meeting between council chiefs and Yousaf on Thursday, during which the First Minister was made aware of town hall anger.

Part of the frustration centres around whether the announcement breaches the Verity House Agreement, signed to smooth relations between councils and the Government.In a summary of the exchange, seen by the Record, Yousaf was asked why the VHA was ignored, when the decision was taken and how trust could be rebuilt.

The document says of his response: “VHA was considered but decision was taken that something needed done to help all households during the ongoing cost of living crisis.“Accept that this is a set back but does not envisage this approach would be taken in the future.”He was also asked if he appreciated how difficult it had been for all political groups in COSLA to sign up to the VHA.The summary of his response stated: "Absolutely hears our anger and frustration, and appreciates that actions now need to speak clearly to commitments in VHA.”Yousaf is said to have pointed to a consultation indicating 90% of respondents did not support an increase in council tax.It added: “No decisions yet taken on