Some council services will “cease” unless they are funded properly is the warning ahead of the Scottish budget this month.
Cosla, which represents local authorities has launched its lobbying campaign to get more cash into the coffers to protect services.
Shona Robison will deliver her first budget as finance secretary on December 19.
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She is being told that in order to deliver the services they are tasked with and help achieve Scottish Government targets, they need more cash not more cuts.
Glasgow City Council has warned it faces a budget shortfall of £120million over the next three years.
The council has also declared a housing emergency as it struggles to cope with rising numbers of people becoming homeless.
The Cosla campaign says councils can get the best outcomes for communities but only is they are given the right resources to do so.
Katie Hagmann, COSLA Resources Spokesperson, said: “If this situation doesn’t start to improve soon, it will mean tough choices being made and the many essential services councils currently provide will cease, services that not only address problems on the ground but actively prevent bigger issues occurring down the line.
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“We have been clear that cutting frontline staff isn’t the answer.
“We need to see Scottish Government investing in Local Government, so we can do what we do best - preventing problems in the first place and improving quality of life.”
Services have seen their budgets cut and community groups losing out on funding for vital services.
Cosla warn the situation will get worse if the cash allocated doesn’t improve as certain services must be protected under law.
Shona Morrison, Cosla President, said: “We all see the headlines in our local and national press about the difficult financial choices councils need to make, deciding whether to reduce or even cut vital services and ending funding for essential charity and community partners.
“Unfortunately, Councils have no choice but to protect core statutory services, especially with the unprecedented financial challenges we are all experiencing. Budgets are tight, creating risks to many other local services our communities rely on, such as programmes supporting children and young people, sports and leisure facilities and public transport.”
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