Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris – a member of the Scottish Parliament's Local
Government and Communities Committee – has welcomed a joint statement by the
Scottish Government and COSLA outlining a framework to combat poverty and income
inequality.

Mr Doris, who tabled a Parliamentary Question on the issue,
said:

"In such tough economic times it is good news that the Scottish
Government and Scotland's local government are working together to tackle these
very important issues.

"The SNP Government has shown its commitment to
tackling poverty with our focus on increasing the installation of free central
heating for pensioners, extending that scheme to include young families on
benefits and the introduction of free school meals.

"The SNP has a new
level of ambition for Scotland and we are resolute in our aim to deliver a
fairer and wealthier Scotland.

"This joint Framework with COSLA shows how
the SNP are committed to delivering a fairer and wealthier Scotland by working
with our local councils.

"And just as the Scottish Government has shown
its faith in Scotland's local government by freeing up how they spend their
money it is now time for the London government to follow that example and allow
Scotland to have responsibility for our personal taxation and benefits system."