COSLA

The Programme for Government 2026-2031 proposes change for councils across Scotland. The first post in our COSLA Explains series explores how the Scottish Government’s proposals impact Local Government.

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COSLA has today (2nd October 2026) issued a statement warning that "Scottish Government social care plans risk medicalising disability, care and support".

Read COSLA's statement here: https://ow.ly/pov750ZTAjr

Earlier this week, COSLA and the Scottish Government jointly launched the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Delivery Plan.

Our latest blog welcomes this plan and explores the important role that Local Government can play in supporting mental health and wellbeing in our communities.

Read the blog: https://ow.ly/W5lg50ZTtFK

Our latest Elected Member Bulletin is out now!

This special edition provides members with the latest COSLA updates on Local Governance.

Read it here: https://ow.ly/jMC650ZToXm

ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT

We have 1 Exhibition Space & 1 Exhibition Stand left for our COSLA Annual Conference at the Fairmont, St Andrews on the 19th & 20th November. If you are interested in this opportunity then please get in touch with [email protected] for more info. Please see layout below for the remaining stands.

Yesterday COSLA Spokesperson Cllr Paul Kelly and the Minister for Mental Wellbeing , Public Health, Sport, Drugs and Alcohol visited the Health Agency in Wester Hailes to hear about their holistic approach to mental health support, and launch the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy Delivery Plan.

The visit highlighted the importance of local approaches to mental wellbeing, the value of community and the benefits of working across sectors to provide support for those who need it.

Cllr Kelly said:

"Local Government plays an important role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our communities. As we seek to challenge poverty, offer quality housing , greenspace and education for example we can help prevent people becoming, or getting more unwell. We also provide a range of services that directly support people with their mental wellbeing. This sits alongside the crucial work of the NHS and the third sector in providing the mental health and wellbeing support and care people need . I welcome our new, joint delivery plan, which aims to build on this whole system approach as we work together to help people achieve the best mental health and wellbeing possible."

We're delighted to welcome Professor Sir John Curtice, Professor of Politics, University of Strathclyde and Scotsen Social Research, to the COSLA Conference 2026.

Drawing on his experience in electoral behaviour, polling and public attitudes, Professor Sir John Curtice will share insights into Scotland’s evolving political landscape and what changing voter attitudes mean for local government, helping delegates better understand the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Register today to hear from our growing line-up of speakers: https://ow.ly/wSiq50ZRvFP

Today Cllr Steven Heddle talked to the Sunday Show about local government reform proposals. He highlighted that the challenges facing councils are not about structures or boundaries. They are about sustainable funding, workforce capacity and growing demand for services.

The Sunday Show - Series 6: 27/09/2026 Gary Robertson brings you all the main issues from the world of politics and beyond. Big interviews, discussion and analysis of the stories that matter to Scotland.

Council leaders have today (25th September) urged caution around Scottish Government’s plans to reform Local Government and called for strong evidence to underpin any significant changes.

Read COSLA's statement here: https://ow.ly/4fHC50ZRuGl

What should governance reform deliver for Scotland’s communities?

Speaking to the Finance and Public Administration Committee yesterday, COSLA Resources Spokesperson Cllr Parry stressed that reform must focus on improving outcomes and public services, rather than reducing the Local Government Settlement.