Paisley to host COSLA Convention

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Paisley Abbey will be the setting (on Friday October 24) for the latest meeting of representatives of all Scotland's 32 councils.

Renfrewshire Council is hosting the latest COSLA Convention and Council Leader Derek Mackay believes this "is an important time for councils to be meeting and discussing policy issues."

"I'm delighted that Paisley is hosting the latest COSLA Convention which brings together politicians and officers from all of Scotland’s 32 councils. Local government is very much in the spotlight just now on a wide range of policy and funding issues," said Councillor Mackay.

"With the national and international economic situation, it's vital that all councils support the people we serve through new approaches. We all face challenging times and we must meet these difficult challenges."

"These conventions offer a valuable way of sharing ideas and experience and I'm sure this latest meeting will be no exception."

COSLA Vice President Corrie McChord, who will chair the Convention, said: "We're delighted to be in Paisley for the October Convention meeting. Along with the opportunity to exchange views, we have the bonus of holding the meeting in the wonderful and historic setting of Paisley Abbey."

Along with COSLA representatives, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill, will also attend the meeting.

"Renfrewshire Council is at the forefront of the new approaches which local authorities are pioneering to become more relevant and customer-focused for the people we serve," added Councillor Mackay.

"Renfrewshire's pioneering policy of decentralisation is giving more power and involvement in decision-making. Our petitions board gives communities the chance to raise issues of direct concern and have those heard in public."

"In terms of economic regeneration, Renfrewshire is joining in major developments involving the Cart Corridor to Glasgow Airport, and Renfrew Riverside, breathing new life into the River Clyde."

"We are also taking forward our ethical agenda through supporting the Singing Children of Africa charity. Our efforts in promoting Fairtrade have won the Fairtrade Foundation's UK-wide Outstanding Achievement Award.

"I am sure this latest COSLA Convention will enable us all to continue to work together locally and nationally to deliver a better Scotland."

Press release: Thursday 24 October 2008