MSPs will seek to identify which council services have been most impacted by the public health emergency, as well as exploring which parts of local government have been least affected or most resilient.

A key focus for the committee will be what steps local government takes, in the short and long term, to manage the financial impact of the crisis. It will also ask what further help councils will need to overcome the ongoing funding pressures.

Looking beyond the crisis, the committee is also keen to hear views on how soon the sector will return to normal, or whether it is time for a “new normal” in the way councils deliver services and what that future might look like.

James Dornan MSP, committee convener,said: “Councils are responsible for delivering a vast range of important services that are a crucial part of our everyday lives; from social care and street cleaning to public libraries and planning. 

“When COVID-19 struck earlier this year, it had a massive impact on local authorities. They suddenly had to change basic working practices and finds ways of delivering emergency services to many vulnerable people. This has had a knock-on effect on their ability to maintain some core services.

“Council staff have risen to the challenge and there are many positive stories to share – for instance on how councils worked with others to help homeless people and rough sleepers during the lockdown.

“However, the impact of COVID-19 will likely be felt for years and the full extent of the financial implications, and the ability of councils to provide these vital public services, remains unclear. We therefore want to hear views on what can be done to help councils weather the financial storm, in the short and long-term.”

He added: “We also want to know if the crisis has also provided an opportunity for fresh thinking about how councils deliver local services and local democracy and whether there are already good practises councils can share.”

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.