Coalition will continue to run Fife Council.

COUNCIL: Parties will continue to jointly run Fife administration

A power-sharing deal that ensured Scotland’s third biggest council had an administration has been extended.

Fife’s SNP and Labour groups reached agreement on jointly running Fife Council following the May 2017 elections, although formal paperwork suggested it was only a one-year pact which could be reviewed.

The council’s co-leaders, David Alexander and David Ross, have confirmed their parties will continue to form the region’s administration for the foreseeable future.

SNP group leader David Alexander pointed to a recent report from Audit Scotland praising the leadership of the council and its plans for the future as proof the relationship between strange

We believe this has provided stability and a clear strategic direction for the council at a difficult time. LABOUR’S DAVID ROSS

bedfellows has worked in practice. “I think the first year has gone better than many people thought,” he said.

“The two groups will continue to work together over the coming years and will debate any differences in a reasonable manner.”

Mr Alexander said both groups had been involved in huge issues over the first year, such as the formation of a joint budget for 2018-19, the Edinburgh and Tay City deals and the opening of the Queensferry Crossing. “Our determination is to make Fife a better place to live, work, play and raise children,” he said.

“Our joint aim is also to tackle poverty and inequality in whatever ways we can.”

Labour group leader Mr Ross said his party had reviewed the joint administration and agreed to continue the arrangement for the coming year.

“We believe this has provided stability and a clear strategic direction for the council at a difficult time, allowing us to plan over the medium term how best to meet the challenges posed by cuts to council funding combined with increased demand for council services,” he added.

Councillor David Alexander said the first year has gone well.