Day: December 9, 2025

Over £16 Billion needed in the Scottish Budget to protect essential services, COSLA Warns

COSLA is urging the Scottish Government to provide a £16 billion boost in revenue in the Scottish Budget, to secure fair and sustainable funding for councils.

A demand for a £844 million general capital settlement has also been requested, plus a restoration of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme to £955 million, to maintain, repair, expand and secure the future of Council estates.

COSLA has today launched a lobbying campaign urging the Scottish Government to use the upcoming Scottish Budget to provide councils with the fair, sustainable and multi-year funding needed to protect essential local services.

The campaign – ‘Strong Councils, Strong Communities’ – highlights growing pressures facing local government and the very real consequences of continued underfunding for communities across Scotland. The financial pressures in social care and housing are two key areas COSLA are asking the Scottish Government to specifically address in their upcoming budget.

COSLA warns that without urgent action in January’s Budget, councils will be unable to maintain essential services such as social care, education, housing support, roads, and community safety.

COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Ricky Bell, said: “Scotland’s councils deliver the services that people rely on every single day — from caring for older and vulnerable people to keeping schools open, streets safe and communities thriving. Councils are facing greater demand than ever and are required to do more with significantly less. This is unsustainable.

“The upcoming Scottish Budget is a pivotal moment. The Scottish Government must deliver a settlement that matches the scale of the challenge. Without fair funding, communities will see services reduced and inequalities deepen, and we will struggle to meet national targets in key areas such as child poverty, housing, and net zero”

This year, councils continue to face rising inflation, increasing demand for services, and the continued impact of workforce pressures across social care and education. COSLA’s analysis shows that even maintaining current services requires substantial additional investment.

As a fair and sustainable overall financial settlement COSLA’s key asks from the campaign include:

  • An immediate £750m investment in social care.
  • Flexibility for councils to make local decisions that respond to community needs.
  • Recognition of local government as an equal partner in delivering national priorities and tackling inequalities.

COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, added: “Councils work tirelessly to deliver for Scotland’s communities, however, continued pressure on resources makes this increasingly challenging.

“This is about safeguarding what matters most, support for the most vulnerable, opportunities for young people, support for families, and safe, thriving communities. We hope the Budget will reflect the vital role Local Government plays in Scotland’s public services.”

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Storm Bram: Safety warning issued amid amber flood, heavy rain and wind warnings  

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging the public to take extra precautions ahead of Storm Bram, which is set to lash the UK with torrential rain and fierce winds.

Storm Bram is set to hit the UK on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing severe winds and heavy rain. An amber warning for north-west Scotland predicts gusts up to 90mph, while saturated ground in Wales and south-west England increases the risk of flooding. These conditions could cause building damage and major transport disruption. 

Yellow warnings will also cover large parts of the UK, including Wales, south-west England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, with gusts of 50-60mph and locally over 70mph. Combined with heavy rain, this poses significant safety risks, including hazardous travel, delays, and cancellations.   

RoSPA advises the public to take immediate steps to reduce the risk of injury and disruption:    

  • Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas under Amber warnings or where flooding is likely.  
  • Keep mobile phones and essential devices fully charged in case of power cuts.  
  • Monitor official weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities.  
  • Secure outdoor items such as bins, signage, and garden furniture to prevent damage.  
  • Prepare a basic emergency kit with torches, batteries, and non-perishable food.  
  • Stay indoors during periods of severe weather and ensure windows and doors are shut.  
  • Check in on vulnerable neighbours, particularly those living alone or in rural areas.  
      

Driving safety tips during heavy rain and flooding  
  

  • Rain reduces visibility and doubles stopping distances: slow down and plan manoeuvres early.  
  • Use windscreen wipers, washers, and dipped headlights at all times.  
  • Aquaplaning happens when tyres lose grip on surface water: reduce speed, maintain correct tyre pressure and tread depth. If it occurs, ease off the accelerator and brakes until grip returns.  
  • On flooded roads: avoid deep water near kerbs, don’t cross if depth is uncertain, and if you proceed, drive slowly in first gear, keep engine speed high, and test brakes after exiting water.  
  • Avoid flooded areas wherever possible.  

Steve Cole, Policy Director at RoSPA, said:  “Storm Bram isn’t just a risk outdoors; homes may be vulnerable too. Secure garden furniture, bins, and anything that could blow away or cause damage. Indoors, make sure windows and doors are firmly shut and keep an emergency kit ready.”  

“On the roads, your regular journey may be difficult. Rain doubles stopping distances and aquaplaning can happen in seconds. Slow down, keep your distance, and never attempt to drive through floodwater. These simple steps can help protect your home, your journey and keep communities safe.”