COSLA

Strong communities start with local government.

COSLA is the cross-party voice of Scotland’s 32 councils. We champion strong local democracy and work to secure the powers, resources and relationships councils need to deliver for the communities they serve.

This matters because many of Scotland’s national priorities are delivered locally - from education, housing and social care to economic development, climate action and community safety.

https://www.cosla.gov.uk/

COSLA has congratulated all newly elected and returning Members of the Scottish Parliament and called for a renewed era of partnership working between national and local government.

As Scotland enters a new parliamentary term, COSLA said the challenges facing communities, public services and local economies require a strong, respectful and collaborative relationship between Holyrood and Local Government.

Read more:

https://ow.ly/uiwG50Z6646

Cllr Ricky Bell, COSLA Resources Spokesperson, recently spoke to Politics UK about the Local Growth Fund. Cllr Bell said that the UK Government’s new Local Growth Fund risks undermining Scotland’s rural economies by slashing revenue funding and excluding entire regions, leaving councils unable to support jobs, skills, and vulnerable communities.

Read more:

Rural Scotland Funding: COSLA Warns Rural Areas Frozen Ou... COSLA Resources Spokesperson Ricky Bell warns about rural Scotland funding

📣The COSLA Excellence Awards 2026 are now live!

COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, said:

“I’m proud to launch the 2026 COSLA Excellence Awards, recognising the commitment, creativity and impact of colleagues across local government who work every day to support and improve our communities. It’s an honour to serve as Chair of the awards this year and to help spotlight the achievements that make such a difference across Scotland.

These awards are about celebrating the people behind the services – those whose dedication, innovation and hard work improve lives in ways that often go unseen.

I would encourage everyone in local government to take this opportunity to put forward your inspiring teams, individuals and projects. Make sure your work gets the recognition it deserves! Submit your nominations and join us in celebrating the very best of Scottish local government.”

More information can be found on our website here: https://ow.ly/ZSKk50Z3L17

Apply by 5pm on Friday 24th July using our online form: https://ow.ly/t3J750Z3L1a

The COSLA Health and Social Care Board held its third meeting of 2026 on Friday 22 May, chaired by COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, having productive discussions on several agenda items and hearing a presentation from Dr Douglas Lowdon, NHS Tayside, on Discharge without Delay

COSLA has today issued its response to the Account Commission Report 'Delivering for the Future.'

Commenting on the Report, Cllr Steven Heddle, COSLA Vice President, said:

“COSLA welcomes this important contribution from the Accounts Commission, which highlights positive examples of transformation across councils while also setting out the significant challenges local government faces in making further progress.

“As the report recognises, there is strong innovation happening across local government. This can be seen both locally and nationally. However, councils continue to be constrained in what they can achieve while budgets remain under sustained pressure and demand for services continues to rise.

“Councils are the part of the public sector closest to communities, bringing a high degree of transparency, accountability and public expectation. At the same time, local government budgets have faced disproportionate pressure compared to other areas of the public sector.

“COSLA and Local Government partners will continue to work with the Scottish Government to drive transformation through the Public Service Reform agenda. Delivering efficiencies through reform will also require all parts of the public sector to work together and look beyond council services, where significant savings have already been made.”

https://www.cosla.gov.uk/news/2026/may/cosla-responds-to-latest-account-commission-report

“Access to quality green space is essential for both our physical and mental wellbeing.”

Our Environment and Economy Spokesperson, Cllr Gail MacGregor, highlights the vital role councils play in creating and caring for the parks, paths and places that help communities thrive.

This , we’re celebrating local leadership in building a healthier, fairer and more sustainable Scotland.

During , we’re focusing on the power of collective action.

Cllr Tony Buchanan, COSLA’s Children and Young People Spokesperson, highlights the vital role of local communities and shared spaces in supporting mental health and wellbeing.