Every year the Scottish Government plans how it will spend money by creating a budget. Committees are responsible for examining the budgets for their subject areas.
The Local Government and Communities Committee are looking at the impact of Covid-19 on local government budgets in Scotland.
Local authorities arrange or deliver a huge range of important services that are an everyday but crucial part of our lives.
Local government funding comes from a range of sources, including local taxes and charging for some services. For most councils, the largest source is the annual Scottish Government grant. Since the 2008 recession, funding has not generally kept pace with inflation. This makes it more challenging to deliver the full range of services.
When Covid-19 struck earlier this year, it had an immediate impact on councils who suddenly had to deliver emergency services to many vulnerable people.
The Scottish Government has also tried to lessen the financial strain with emergency funding. But the impact of Covid will likely be felt for years.
The deadline to submit views was 4 September 2020.
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