Tag: democracy

COSLA President says rebuilding trust in politics starts with stronger local voices

THE PRESIDENT of the body representing Scotland’s 32 councils has urged a room of leading political figures to rebuild trust by giving people and places a stronger voice in how decisions are made locally.

Speaking at the COSLA Annual Conference in St Andrews this week, Councillor Shona Morrison used her opening address to urge political leaders to back a bold, long-term vision for local democracy – one that gives communities the powers, trust, and resources they need to thrive.

The call comes at the first major event following the launch of COSLA’s manifesto, which acknowledges 50 years of the organisation and sets out a clear roadmap for strengthening local government and empowering communities across Scotland.

In introducing the overarching theme of the event, “The Future of Localism”, Councillor Morrison told delegates: “Localism means trusting communities, empowering councils and rejecting unnecessary centralisation. It means recognising that Scotland’s strength lies in its diversity, urban, rural, island – and that one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work.

“It means giving councils the powers and resources to empower those voices in their communities, so that decisions are shaped together, with local knowledge at the heart of every choice.”

Marking COSLA’s 50th anniversary, the 2025 Conference brings together leaders from across local government, business, academia and public life.

The event features high-profile contributions from First Minister John Swinney MSP, Douglas Alexander MP, and Alastair Campbell, alongside figures such as Olympic champion Duncan Scott OBE, David Duke MBE, and Professor Sir Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland.

Building on the momentum of the manifesto, the President reiterated COSLA’s key asks of all political parties ahead of the 2026 election:

  • A fair, multi-year financial settlement to protect and plan local services.
    Empowerment of local democracy, ensuring decisions are taken as close as possible to communities.
  • A valued workforce, recognising the essential role of council staff in delivering public services.
  • Action for future generations, embedding children’s rights and opportunities at the centre of policy-making.
  • Investment in thriving and cohesive communities, to tackle inequality and strengthen local resilience.
  • Support for thriving places, through sustainable economic growth, housing and transport investment, and a just transition to net zero.

COSLA’s manifesto, launched last month, outlines what the organisation describes as a “turning point” in the relationship between national and local government. It calls for full implementation of the Verity House Agreement, reform of local taxation, and new powers for councils to make local choices based on local priorities.

Councillor Morrison added: “The manifesto is about ensuring we set our own agenda, rather than merely responding to that of others. COSLA is a voice of influence, and we want it to be heard strongly by those seeking parliamentary election and those that wish to form the next Scottish Government.

“It calls for a relationship between local and national government that is based on trust, respect, and parity of esteem. We are asking those who make up the next Scottish Government to empower local democracy and our communities. Decisions must be taken as close to communities as possible.

“Our asks are not optional, they are essential if Scotland is to thrive. We want to work constructively with all parties, but we will not accept anything less than fairness and the power to act for our communities.”

Taking place in St Andrews, The COSLA Annual Conference, sponsored by CCLA, took place over two days with plenary sessions, panels, and fringe discussions on topics including care reform, climate leadership, community cohesion, and online life for future generations.

#COSLA25

COSLA-Manifesto-2026v2Download

‘Fundamental issues’ must be addressed in Bill which seeks to recall MSPs

‘Fundamental issues’ must be addressed in a Bill which seeks to introduce a recall process to the Scottish Parliament. This is the outcome of a report issued by Holyrood’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee.

The report follows the Committee’s consideration of the Scottish Parliament (Recall and Removal of Members) Bill. The Bill, introduced by Graham Simpson MSP, would introduce a process by which an MSP could lose their seat in the Parliament through a recall petition.

Whilst the Committee recommends the Scottish Parliament agrees the general principles of the Bill, the report sets out a number of areas for reconsideration to ensure the process works within the Scottish Parliament’s electoral system.

These include consideration of the complexity and costs associated with the recall of regional MSPs, and some of the practical arrangements of holding recall petitions to ensure all those eligible to sign can do so.

The Bill also proposes new grounds for the automatic removal of MSPs, either on criminal offence grounds or when a Member has not attended the Parliament in person for 180 days without a reasonable explanation.

The Committee is not persuaded that MSPs should be removed for not physically attending the Parliament and invites Mr Simpson to reconsider this element of the Bill.

Speaking as the report published, Committee Convener Martin Whitfield MSP said: “We have heard that at its heart, this Bill has the integrity of the democratic process and the aim of improving accountability.

“Whilst this is clearly to be welcomed, there are some fundamental changes which need to be made for the Bill to achieve this aim.

“The recall process suggested within the Bill builds on the now well-established process at Westminster. But as we heard time and again, the two electoral systems are not the same and it is clear to us that there needs to be further thought given to how regional recall will work.”

The Convener continued: “The proposals within the Bill in relation to removal of MSPs fail to take into account the fact that we operate as a hybrid Parliament.

“With this in mind, we are simply not persuaded that requiring physical attendance is the correct basis for removal of MSPs and this must be rectified during any further consideration of the Bill.”

Top councillors in Scotland recognised at annual Cllr Awards

The top councillors from across Scotland have been recognised at the 2025 LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards which took place last night at Glasgow’s City Chambers.

These are the only national awards dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary work of councillors in Scotland. No Edinburgh councillors received awards this year.

The 2025 winners are:

Read more about the winners here.

This year’s competition was extremely tight with nominations received across five categories that celebrate the wide-ranging work of councillors. From championing residents’ interests to leading innovation in public services, councillors play a crucial role in shaping communities and improving lives, dedicating their time and energy to what is often a voluntary, unpaid role.

Winners were chosen by a judging panel of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector. These important Awards – a staple in the local government calendar –  are made possible thanks to the generous support of founding partner CCLA.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) said: “Councillors work tirelessly to support their communities and drive change.

“These awards are about celebrating the often unseen but hugely important contribution councillors make every day. This year’s winners are a real testament to the dedication, creativity and leadership shown by councillors across Scotland.”

Lee Jagger, Local Government Relationship Manager, CCLA said: “Councillors sit at the heart of our communities, and these awards are a chance to spotlight the meaningful, real-world difference they deliver every day.

“Their dedication improves lives in countless, practical ways. At a time when councils are navigating extraordinary pressures, the Cllr Awards are a powerful reminder of just how essential our councillors and councils are.”

Could fixed link connections strengthen Scotland’s island economies?

Commons committee to investigate

Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry investigating the strategic and economic case for improved fixed transport links between Scotland’s islands.

Transport connectivity is a major challenge for Scotland’s islands, with many island communities currently being connected via ferry services. This lack of fixed-link connectivity can restrict economic development.  

Fixed links to connect the islands, such as bridges or tunnels, are increasingly being considered as long-term solutions. For example, Shetland’s Island Council has approved a feasibility study into building tunnels into undersea tunnel connections.  

Fixed link infrastructure like this has been a success in the Faroe Islands, an archipelago 200 miles further into the Atlantic than the Shetland Islands, which has been building undersea tunnels since the 1960s.  

Scotland’s islands have been highlighted as a key region for economic growth, due to their clean energy, tourism and space sectors.

As momentum grows at a local level, the cross-party committee could examine the economic case for these fixed link projects and the UK Government’s potential strategic interest in supporting this infrastructure.  

Full terms of reference are available on the committee website.

Submissions can be made via the committee’s website until 12 December 2025.  

Connectivity is a crucial issue affecting communities across Scotland, particularly those in remote, rural and island areas, where infrastructure delivery is complex and costly.

Alongside this inquiry into physical connectivity, the committee will shortly be launching an inquiry into digital connectivity.  

Patricia Ferguson, Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee, said: “Current transport links between Scotland’s islands simply don’t seem to be up to scratch. Delayed and cancelled ferries cause disruption for entire communities, and  undoubtedly also pose huge barriers to the development of island economies. 

“Fixed link infrastructure projects like undersea tunnels could be transformational for Scotland’s island communities.

“Throughout this inquiry, we’ll be looking closely at the economic case for these fixed link projects, their value for money and, ultimately, whether there could be a strategic interest for the UK Government to support their development.” 

Holyrood’s Finance Committee ‘in the dark’ over Scottish Government plans

Holyrood’s Finance Committee has urged the Scottish Government to begin long-term fiscal planning now to address Scotland’s future financial challenges.

The committee’s report on Responding to Long-Term Fiscal Pressures is published today, in advance of the government’s Budget being announced in January 2026.

The committee says it is “in the dark” over the detail of government’s plans and is urging the Scottish Government to use the Scottish Spending Review, also in January, to bring clarity to its priorities and how substantial savings will be made.

Finance and Public Administration Committee convener Kenneth Gibson said: “We agree with the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) that the spending review provides an opportunity for the Scottish Government to set out how it will address Scotland’s long-term fiscal sustainability challenges.

“We seek further details of how the government is directing spending toward its priorities and what areas are being deprioritised.

“We’d also like to know how Ministers plan to meet their ambitions for public sector workforce reductions and efficiencies worth £1billion over the next five years. Evidence and trends suggest these targets will be incredibly challenging to meet.”

Mr Gibson added: “We asked the Scottish Government to provide a full response to the SFC’s Fiscal Sustainability Report on demographics in March 2023, but are still waiting. We, therefore, remain in the dark on the Scottish Government’s longer-term financial plans.”

While the committee welcomed recent improvements in the level of information provided in the Scottish Government’s Medium Term Financial Strategy on the ‘challenges ahead’, it questioned why a separate document was needed by the government to explain how it is responding to medium-term pressures.

Mr Gibson said: “We do not share the Government’s view that the two documents ‘set out a credible plan’ to deliver its priorities.

“Ministers must put greater emphasis on longer-term financial planning now, in order to mitigate the potentially significant impact of future trends within Scotland’s economy and population.”

The report asked the government to maximise opportunities for better aligning skills with the needs of Scotland’s economy, including supporting fit-for-future funding models for colleges and universities, and careers advice. And, how it is supporting organisations to retain and attract older workers and those with disabilities to increase labour market participation and grow the tax base.

The committee requested further details of how the Scottish Government is creating the right conditions for businesses in Scotland to grow, take a long-term view, invest in capital and leadership, and change attitudes to risk – all of which the committee heard are key barriers to productivity growth.

The committee also wants more information on how high-value businesses, such as in the FinTech sector, are being supported to ‘scale up’ including into unicorns.

Lastly, on social security spending Mr Gibson said: ““Our committee is not convinced that the Scottish Government has set out sufficient evidence to support its argument that the future social security budget is sustainable.

“We are disappointed the government’s Medium Term Financial Strategy did not include the information we requested on the fiscal sustainability of social security spending.

“Nor did the government say how it is assessing the effectiveness of, and outcomes from, its approach to benefits delivery in Scotland – or how this impacts upon other parts of the Budget.

“We’ve therefore asked the government again to carry out this work and report back without further delay.”

Read the Report on Responding to Long-Term Fiscal Pressures

Poverty Alliance: This is just the start

SCOTLAND DEMANDS BETTER

Change for the better happens when people stand together and demand it. That is why thousands of people took to the streets of Edinburgh yesterday to say with one voice that we demand better – better than poverty, better than inequality and better than divisive, hateful narratives that seek to pit our communities against one another.

Trade unions, faith groups, community organisations and charities stood shoulder to shoulder with people from across Scotland to demand fair work, strong public services and dignified social security.

It was a showcase to our political decision makers at all levels that we are tired of waiting for change on the injustice of poverty, and we are standing together to demand action.

This isn’t the end. It is the start of a movement, together in hope and solidarity, for a better Scotland for all of us.

THE POVERTY ALLIANCE

COSLA launches Holyrood Election 2026 Manifesto

For our communities to live well locally, councils are essential. Councils provide safer communities, housing, roads and transportation, education, social work and social care, environmental health, trading standards, mental health services, advice services, employability, recycling and waste services, libraries, leisure facilities and many more vital services that support and create opportunities for every community in Scotland.

This manifesto sets out what local government needs from Scottish Government to continue to serve local communities and enable us all to live well locally.

Our key asks are grouped under six priority areas, divided into ‘enabling priorities’ focusing on key levers at our disposal (finance, workforce and democratic powers) which enable delivery of our ‘outcomes-focused priorities’ (future generations, thriving places and thriving communities).

We need Scottish Government to work together with local government, as equal partners, to deliver lasting change and improve outcomes.

COSLA-Manifesto-2026v2Download

TODAY’S THE DAY: SCOTLAND DEMANDS BETTER

ASSEMBLE AT SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT FROM 9.30am

MARCH FROM HOLYROOD TO THE MEADOWS 11.00am – 12.30pm

RALLY AT THE MEADOWS 1.00 – 4.30pm

TODAY, we take to the streets.

230+ organisations. Thousands of voices. One demand: a fairer Scotland.

History is written when ordinary people stand together.

This is that moment. Don’t miss it.

TOMORROW: SCOTLAND DEMANDS BETTER

TOMORROW, Saturday 25th October, Child Poverty Action Group – alongside other members of the End Child Poverty Coalition – will be joining charities, community organisations, faith groups, trade unions and many more in a march from Holyrood to the Meadows in Edinburgh (writes CPAG Scotland’s MARIA MARSHALL). 

#ScotlandDemandsBetter has been organised to give organisations and individuals in Scotland an opportunity to make their voices heard and demand that politicians make the change needed so that every household in Scotland can thrive. 

Signs we are on the right track…

In a lot of ways, we have seen progress to tackle child poverty in the past several years, at least here in Scotland.

The passing of the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act in 2017 was a watershed moment. Following the abandoning of child poverty targets by the UK Government in 2015, the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act ( unanimously backed by all of Holyrood’s parties) set targets for child poverty reduction and requirements such as a tackling child poverty delivery plan to be published by the Scottish Government every four years. 

The result of this cross-government, cross-party effort in Scotland has been to sharpen the minds of those who hold the power and drive real and tangible progress for families. 

Since then, we have seen the introduction and expansion of the Scottish child payment (SCP), first introduced in February 2021 and now worth £27.15 a week for every eligible child under 16.

This has made a real difference for many low income families.

Along with other members of End Child Poverty and the Scotland Demands Better movement we are now calling for immediate and sustained increases in its value so that it reaches £55 per week by the end of the next parliament. Investing further in the Scottish child payment is the most direct and cost-effective tool available to the Scottish government to further reduce child poverty. 

SCP is one of a suite of policy interventions in the first two delivery plans including; Best Start Foods and Best Start grant (replacing Healthy Start and Sure Start in the UK), an expanded offer of 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare, increased focus on parental employability support and the expansion of universal free school meals in primary schools (despite subsequent backtracking on promises for universal provision for P6-7 pupils too…)

Of all the interventions taken, it is the increased investment in social security in Scotland that is behind the diverging trend confirmed in the latest child poverty statistics which saw child poverty in Scotland fall by four percentage points, while rising (once again) UK-wide. Steps in the right direction for sure.    

We’ve come some way, but not far enough

So on the one hand, we have seen some real success. In December last year, research commissioned by CPAG on the costs of raising a child, found that the gap between costs and incomes for families in Scotland was narrower than the rest of the UK. However, this same research found that Scotland’s lowest-income families are still left with less than half the income they need for a minimum socially acceptable standard of living. 

Despite showing that progress had been made, this year’s child poverty statistics also confirmed that over one in five children in Scotland are still growing up in poverty. For those children, for all children, we are demanding better. 

We can shout about the progress made, but for families living on the sharp end of the cost of living crisis, this will ring hollow.  Summer holidays this year too often brought more stress and anxiety for Scottish parents than opportunities to learn and play. Like Hope, parent and participant in the Changing Realities project, who wrote in July:

“Already it has been a bit stressful. The kids are constantly hungry and “bored”  then hungry again. Which means more food shopping. I can’t afford summer clubs/camps (tennis, football, multi sports, water sports etc) as they are coming in at around £40 a day and some of them state you have to bring your own packed lunches … I also am embarrassed to take the kids to a food bank this year. So if my oldest boy is in I’ll get him to watch my youngest and tell them “I’m going shopping.”

Too many families are being denied the security and opportunity to thrive that we all deserve. But looking to the future, there should be reason to feel hope.  

Standing at the crossroads

We now have two governments, UK and Scotland, who have made a commitment to tackling child poverty. Campaigners are anxiously awaiting the UK child poverty strategy due to be published this Autumn.

Next year’s elections in Scotland also provide an opportunity for all parties, MSPs and candidates to commit to building on the progress made and delivering a better future for all of Scotland’s children.

In theory, we are at the cusp of a real opportunity for making progress on tackling child poverty. But we can also risk losing our way…

Will we build on the progress made in Scotland to meet the 2030 targets? Will the UK Government pull the levers in their power such as scrapping the two-child limit and benefit cap to move us in the right direction together?

Or will we see a stalling in Scotland, resting on existing progress and unable to keep up with the rising costs squeezing low-income families? Will the UK strategy fail to tackle the true drivers of rising child poverty such as the slashing of social security support in the past 15 years?

Walking with hope

In May last year, parents from the Changing Realities project launched their own campaign ‘Hope Starts Here’ with the aim to change the narrative on the progress we need to see by shifting the focus on the potential that all children have.

One parent, Faith, expressed that: “I hope that my children will be able to have endless possibilities of what and who they want to become in the future when they grow up. There is a big world waiting out there for them.”

Faith’s words encapsulate why members of the End Child Poverty coalition will be marching together to demand better for our children. All children should have endless possibilities of what and who they want to be when they grow up. 

Better is possible. There is already ambition across the political spectrum to tackle child poverty. We now need to see the two-child limit and benefit cap scrapped at UK level, and in Scotland we need all parties to set out a clear path that will deliver year on year progress towards the 2030 targets, so that every child in Scotland can have the best possible start in life.

If you’re in Edinburgh on Saturday, please join us.

Holyrood Committee seek views on Bill which seeks to regulate cosmetic procedures industry

Holyrood’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is seeking views on a Bill which would mean cosmetic treatments such as fillers, Botox, chemical peels and microneedling would be subject to greater regulation.

The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill is seeking to regulate the provision of certain non-surgical procedures, where a non-surgical procedure is defined as a procedure that pierces or penetrates an individual’s skin.

If passed, it would mean the treatments identified by the Bill would have to be administered by a registered healthcare professional, in a registered healthcare setting.

The Bill would make it illegal for under-18s to receive these treatments.

The Bill would also introduce enforcement powers for authorities and would give Scottish Ministers powers to impose further restrictions or to change the list of procedures covered by the Bill, through regulations.

Some of the procedures covered by the Bill include:

  • Ablative laser treatment e.g. laser skin resurfacing
  • Cellulite subcision e.g. cellulite dimple removal or Cellfina®
  • Chemical peel e.g. skin peel or facial peel
  • Dermal microcoring e.g. Ellacor® Treatment, removal of tiny cores of skin using hollow needles.
  • Injectable procedure e.g. Botox® injections, dermal fillers (including non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift)
  • Intravenous procedure e.g. IV drip therapy, beauty IV drips
  • Microneedling e.g. skin needling, Dermapen® microneedling
  • Thread Lift e.g. PDO (Polydioxanone), PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid), cat or fox eye thread lift

Speaking as the call for views was launched, Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “Our Committee is aware that the use and administering of non-surgical procedures for cosmetic purposes has grown hugely in popularity over the last few years.

“But we are also aware of concerns that there may be risks when those providing treatments aren’t suitably trained to do so.

“This Scottish Government Bill proposes to strengthen the regulation of who can receive and administer these treatments, and where these can be carried out.

“We are seeking the views of business owners on how this could impact their business. We’re keen to hear the experiences of individuals who receive these treatments, whether positive or negative, on how the changes proposed could impact them.

“We are also keen to gather the views of health professionals and organisations on whether they support the proposals in the Bill. So please get in touch.”

Respond to the call for views:

Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill – Scottish Parliament – Citizen Space

The call for views closes on 14 November.