Edinburgh is urged to negotiate funding directly with Holyrood, believing it could secure a better deal than through Cosla.
One councillor, Phil Doggart, says Edinburgh is underfunded. He thinks the city has special needs, like London, with higher housing costs.
Many key professions are based there too, including law, government, and finance. Doggart believes leaving Cosla would help. Cosla negotiates funds for all councils in Scotland.
Some councils left Cosla before but rejoined. Doggart thinks Edinburgh should try to negotiate alone and believes they could get a better deal. Leaving might let Edinburgh pay staff more too.
Edinburgh competes with nearby councils for workers now. Social workers might prefer cheaper areas and could work for councils in those areas. These jobs pay the same, but living costs are lower. Doggart thinks Edinburgh could pay more to retain staff.
A higher salary could offset Edinburgh’s higher costs. People might choose to live and work in the city then, meaning traveling is not necessary. They could have a higher standard of living. Councillors will decide on the budget soon.