COSLA in internal dispute

As Scottish local government workers voted heavily in favour of an inflation-proofed four year pay deal, the employers' side, represented by Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) was embroiled in a bitter internal dispute over its running costs and other issues. The membership of four authorities - Glasgow, Dundee, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire - was due to expire at the end of March.

The unions are very concerned about the row. The T&G's Jim Farrelly said the 93% vote in favour of the pay deal showed the value of the system. And COSLA vice president Pat Watters stressed that it showed the advantages of a "single, strong negotiating body for Scottish local government".