22 March 2001
Speaking at the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities' (Cosla) three-day conference in Crieff this week, MacKay said: 'Community planning will achieve better assessment of local needs and priorities, better service to local people and clearer focus on the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of our communities.'
MacKay and Norman Murray, Cosla's president, signed a joint agreement between Cosla and the Scottish Executive defining working relationships and consultation arrangements.
Cosla opened its conference on March 21 with the organisation facing an uncertain future and an unsettled membership.
Murray said: 'I believe local government, in partnership with the Scottish Executive, the Scottish Parliament and all other agencies, can carry forward the broad range of initiatives already under way and develop new and exciting programmes for the future.'
Cosla, which was forced to implement a fundamental review of its activities following the decision of four of its 32 members not to renew their subscriptions, was buoyed by one of the rebel councils returning to the fold in the week of the conference.
Julie Sturrock, leader of Dundee City Council, welcomed the authority's decision on March 20 to continue its membership as 'a victory for common sense'.
PFmar2001
