Tag: local government

Town Hall Rich List 2026: record 4,733 council bosses received over £100,000 last year

  • Town Hall Rich List 2026 findsthat a record 4,733 council employees received over £100,000 remuneration in 2024-25, with 1,255 receiving over £150,000 in total remuneration in 2024-25, another record. 
  • The TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA) provides a council-by-council breakdown of local government executive pay deals. A regional breakdown is available in this press release.
  • Click here for frequently asked questions about the Town Hall Rich List.

In the wake of the largest council tax increase since 2004, the TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA) launches its Town Hall Rich List 2026 (THRL), the 20th edition of the project. THRL is the only comprehensive list of its kind with a council-by-council breakdown of local government executive pay deals.

The number of council bosses receiving more than £100,000 in 2024-25 stood at 4,733, the highest level since this dataset was first published in 2007 and 827 more than last year’s edition. This is an increase of over 21 per cent on last year, as council wage bills continue to grow.

In contrast, the Yorkshire and the Humber region saw the smallest increase in the number of employees receiving over £100,000, rising by 2 per cent from 204 to 209.

The number of staff receiving over £150,000 has also hit a record high of 1,255. This is a 14.9 per cent increase from last year and almost twenty times more than in the first edition of THRL when Tony Blair was prime minister. The THRL reveals there were 320 council employees who received a higher salary than the prime minister was entitled to in 2024-25.

The highest remunerated council employee in 2024-25 was from Staffordshire council, who received around £457,500. The name and job title of this individual were not provided, nor was the breakdown of what this figure encompassed, though they were a council employee and not teaching staff.

Councils have routinely increased council tax by 4.99 per cent each year, the maximum before a local referendum is mandatory in England, often citing stretched budgets and increased demands.

Despite budget shortfalls, councils have been able to consistently find ever-increasing amounts to pay senior staff. Local councils employed more than double the number of senior managers as the NHS did the year before.

Six councils that issued Section 114 bankruptcy notices since 2020 had 124 council employees receiving over £100,000. 

Some increases in the figures are partially driven by an increase in the number of councils that have published accounts compared to the 2025 edition of this list.

In a positive move towards more transparency, the number who failed to publish accounts in time for this year fell from 15 to five.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT

Key findings:

  • In 2024-25, there were at least 4,733 council employees receiving £100,000 or more in total remuneration. This is a 21.2 per cent increase from 2023-24, representing 827 more people and compared to 2005-06, there were eight times more people in this category. Of these, 1,255 council employees had total remuneration of at least £150,000 in 2024-25, which represents a 14.9 per cent increase or 163 more people from 2023-24. Compared to 2005-06, there were almost twenty times more people in this category.
  • At least 366 local authority employees had total remuneration of at least £200,000 in 2024-25. This is a 39.7 per cent increase from 2023-24, representing 104 people. In 2005-06, there were five people in this category.
  • The prime minister had a salary entitlement of £172,153 in 2024.  320 council employees received a higher salary than this in 2024-25, as opposed to total remuneration. This is a third more than in 2023-24.
  • A total of five councils did not provide accounts for 2024-25. This is lower than previous years, with 15 not producing 2023-24 accounts in time for last year’s note, which was significantly down from 59 in 2022-23.
     
  • In 2024-25, the highest remunerated council employee was from Staffordshire council, who received £457,500. The name and job title of this individual were not provided, nor was the breakdown of what this figure encompassed.
  • The council employee with the largest compensation for loss of office payment in 2024-25 was the unnamed assistant chief executive at Cambridge council, who received £222,559 in compensation and £330,101 in total remuneration.
  • Elaine Allergretti, strategic director, children and adults at Barking and Dagenham council, received the largest bonus payment in 2024-25, at £34,161, with total remuneration of £232,923.
  • Westminster council was the local authority with the most staff receiving over £100,000 in 2024-25. The council had 92 such individuals, 19 more than 2023-24. This is a twelve-fold increase from 2005-06, when the council had seven council employees receiving over £100,000 in total remuneration.
  • Yorkshire and the Humber saw the smallest increase in the number of employees receiving over £100,000 total remuneration from 2023-24 to 2024-25, rising by two per cent from 204 to 209.
  • Six councils have issued section 114 notices since 2020, effectively declaring bankruptcy. There were 124 employees in these councils receiving over £100,000 in total remuneration in 2024-25. Of these, Claire Demmel, interim executive director of place at Thurrock council, had the largest total remuneration in 2024-25, at £283,844.
  • From 2005-06 to 2024-25, band D council tax has risen by 120 per cent in Wales, 79 per cent in England and 30 per cent in Scotland.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT

John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers are caught in a pincer movement with a record-breaking tax burden on one side and a bloated public sector feathering its nest on the other.

“Our latest Town Hall Rich List exposes a surging class of council bosses enjoying six-figure packages, even as they plead poverty, slash frontline services, and hike council tax bills far beyond inflation.

“Residents can see exactly how many local bureaucrats are receiving plush packages and judge for themselves whether they’re getting value for money.”

In Scotland:

  • Scotland had 369 council employees who received at least £100,000 in 2024-25, which is 24 more than the previous year.
  • The highest remunerated council employee was Katrina Hassell, chief officer (business and digital) of North Lanarkshire council, who received £281,680.

Working Towards Achieving a More Balanced Population in Scotland

COSLA LAUNCHES FIRST IN A SERIES OF WHITE PAPERS

COSLA has launched Working Towards Achieving a More Balanced Population in Scotland, the first in a series of white papers to be published in advance of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

Scottish councils are facing increasingly complex and deeply rooted population challenges, and COSLA is calling for urgent, coordinated action to address them.

This paper provides a detailed examination of these issues and sets out practical recommendations across key policy areas to support a more sustainable and balanced population.

Launching the paper, COSLA described achieving population balance as a central priority for Scottish local government.

With some areas experiencing rapid growth, others facing significant depopulation, and many managing both pressures simultaneously within their boundaries, the need for strategic intervention has never been greater.

COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, Cllr Maureen Chalmers, said: “I am delighted to be launching our population white paper today.

“Achieving a more balanced population is a priority for Scottish Local Government and COSLA, and it is imperative that this remains a priority for the new Scottish Government administration following the election.

“Our white paper highlights the diverse population challenges faced by councils across Scotland, from those that are experiencing rapid population growth, to those facing critical depopulation, as well as the many dealing with both challenges within their council area. It proposes recommendations across three key priority areas: economy, workforce and jobs; housing; and transport.

“Scottish councils are best placed to lead population balance efforts but require support from both Scottish and UK Government to achieve our aims.

“We are calling on our national politicians to commit to working with us to implement the recommendations that we have set out today.”

Population White Paper

Population White Paper – Executive Summary

EIS Formally Issues Industrial Action Notice in Teacher Workload Dispute

The EIS has issued formal 10-day notice of its intention to call its members to take industrial action over workload. 

The industrial action will include national days of strike action, additional days of strike action in key target areas, and an ongoing national programme of Action Short of Strike (ASOS).

The issuing of 10-day notice is a legal requirement, and must be issued before any industrial action can commence. The issuing of notice does not compel the EIS to undertake strike action, but enables it to call its members out should a resolution to the dispute not be achieved within the next 10 days. 

Whilst the EIS recognises the progress in negotiations made in the last 24 hours, following this week’s EIS statutory ballot result, a firm agreement from the Scottish Government and COSLA to work together to deliver past promises on teacher workload and jobs, has not been forthcoming.

Commenting, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said, “In issuing these formal notices of the intent to commence industrial action, the EIS is complying with the legal requirement to give notice of such action.

“This allows us to keep our options open, within the confines of current trade union law, and retain the option to call on our members to take industrial action, should it be required to ensure a resolution to this long-running dispute.

“Some progress has been made in the past 24 hours but so far, we have nothing in writing to reflect the commitment of the Scottish Government and COSLA to deliver on past promises.”

Ms Bradley continued, “The EIS remains fully committed to seeking a negotiated solution to this dispute, and will remain available in the coming days and before the closing of this 10-day window for meaningful discussion with the Scottish Government and local authority employers, through COSLA.

“We would urge those other parties to use this window wisely, and to move swiftly to ensure that an agreement can be reached to end this dispute, in the best interests of learners and teachers across Scotland.”

Ms Bradley added, “What we need to see from the Scottish Government and COSLA is surety over what they are offering to teachers. “After five years of waiting, and more than a year in dispute, Scotland’s teachers and the EIS will expect to see a firm and binding commitment, in writing and signed by all parties, before we are willing to remove the prospect of industrial action being undertaken in Scotland’s schools.”

Further information on the specific planned dates for industrial action will be issued next week. 

Responding to the EIS announcement that the teachers’ union has received a mandate for industrial action over teacher workload, Cllr Ricky Bell, COSLA Resources Spokesperson said: “COSLA notes the outcome of the EIS ballot for industrial action about reducing the weekly time teachers spend delivering lessons. With Scottish Government, COSLA continue to engage with the unions on the subject.

“Industrial action is in nobody’s interests, and we urge unions to work with COSLA and Scottish Government to find a solution all parties can agree rather that threaten to disrupt education at this crucial time of year.

“We recognise that supporting teachers is essential. However, this needs to be facilitated in a way that ensures a positive impact on outcomes for children and young people.

“COSLA remains committed to constructive engagement with the Scottish Government and teaching unions through the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) on the implementation of the Ministerial commitment to reduce class contact time.

“Concerns about the financial and practical implications of this policy remain. RCCT cannot be delivered without full funding and a clear understanding of its impact on children and young people.”

Edinburgh’s Budget: Councillors agree record spend to tackle housing emergency and reduce poverty

Thousands of new homes are set to be delivered in Edinburgh over the next five years thanks to an additional £1.6 billion agreed by councillors yesterday.

The Council’s Budget, passed on 26 February, includes a record spend on providing affordable housing alongside significant investment in frontline services, children and education.

Ending poverty and protecting vulnerable residents is at the heart of the spending plans, which prioritise homelessness prevention, sustaining Edinburgh’s third sector partnerships and investing significant sums in education and health and social care services.

Thanks to a change in loan financing arrangements, officers have been able to address budgetary challenges and preserve frontline services while enabling members to limit Edinburgh’s Council Tax rise to 4% – set to be the lowest increase across Scottish councils this year.

Councillors also agreed a freeze on most fees and charges for the next 12 months, including parking permit and pay and display charges.

Alongside today’s decision, the Edinburgh Visitor Levy scheme, the first set of spend programmes of which were agreed earlier this month, is set to generate an additional up to £29 million this financial year to help sustain and promote Edinburgh’s status as one of the world’s favourite visitor destinations.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “I’m proud that we’ve once again delivered a balanced budget that focuses on meeting the needs of Edinburgh’s residents. It is a budget that reinforces our commitment to tackling poverty, prioritising prevention and protecting frontline services for those most in need of our support – all while keeping the increase in Council Tax to one of the lowest, if not the lowest, in the country.

“We were the first city in Scotland to declare a housing emergency and are now putting our money where our mouths are with an additional investment over the next five years – one of the largest housing interventions by a local authority in modern times. This will provide thousands of much-needed affordable new homes for families, while reducing the use of costly and unsuitable temporary accommodation and helping us to reduce the scourge of poverty on this city.

“Alongside the additional £6 million we’ve pledged towards social care, we’re prioritising support for some of our most vulnerable children and young people across the city. We’re investing in early family support, keeping children with their families wherever we can.

“We’re expanding support for pupils with additional support needs, with extra staff in both our special schools and mainstream schools. And we’re committing £86 million towards progressing major extensions at both Craigroyston and Queensferry High Schools.

“It’s important to remember that we’re not working in isolation and, having listened to our third sector partners, we’re today committing an additional £4 million to help them continue playing an essential role in supporting our residents – and, crucially, to plan with more certainty and security. This ambitious budget clearly demonstrates the strength of listening to our communities and working across party lines to do what’s best for the residents of Edinburgh.”

Finance and Resources Convener Mandy Watt added: “We remain the lowest funded council in Scotland, which poses a real challenge when setting our budget each year. Despite this, officers have produced an innovative budget that prioritises the services that most matter to the people of Edinburgh – from investing in our roads, pavements and parks to caring for our youngest, oldest and most vulnerable residents.

“This is a budget that protects, and in many cases enhances, these frontline services. But it also allows us to protect our residents and businesses from bearing too much of the financial burden that goes with it. I’m proud, then, that we’ve been able to limit our Council Tax rise to only 4% and to freeze most fees and charges for the next 12 months.”

SNP Group leader Simita Kumar tweeted: “A Tory–Lib Dem budget passed today with Labour’s backing—despite warnings from officers and the Accounts Commission.

“£700k in cuts agreed, with Labour using homelessness funds as leverage for Tory votes. Edinburgh deserves better than grubby deals made in the back room!”

EDINBURGH’s BUDGET – KEY FACTS

Tackling the housing emergency

  • Tackling the housing emergency with an additional £1.6bn investment for affordable homes and temporary accommodation – 2,500 homes for temporary accommodation, funding to unlock around 1,100 settled homes at affordable rents and investment capacity for up to around 2,300 additional settled homes.
  • Further key investments totalling £3m directed towards homelessness prevention, including additional staffing to work directly with those at risk of homelessness and creation of a grants budget to bring empty homes back into use as part of the Private Sector Leasing scheme.

Maintaining and improving the city’s roads, schools and public buildings

  • Continue ongoing investment in roads and pavements programme with a further £25m for two years, following the initial investment of £37.5m over three years, which brought a significant improvement in the state of city’s roads. An additional £480k was agreed today towards pothole repairs and white line painting.
  • Craigroyston and Queensferry High Schools will benefit from investment totalling £85.8m to progress major extensions as part of the City Plan 2030. This is in addition to the investment of £296m in five new schools and five extensions, together with the replacement of Fox Covert Campus, which was approved last year.
  • £13.2m for the development of a new permanent Blackhall Library, £7.5m for Portobello Swim Centre and an additional £18.3m over ten years to enhance a co-ordinated Council-wide Buildings Improvement Programme.

Getting it right for every child

  • Budgeted spend on Children, Education and Communities in 2026-27 of £587m, an increase of £14m compared to last year’s budget.
  • Continued investment in education and children’s services, including expanded ASN staffing and facilities, ensuring inclusive education and better life chances for every child in Edinburgh and support targeted investment to improve safety and address violence and aggression at work, recognising the duty of care owed to Council employees and the importance of safe service delivery.
  • Prioritising early family support and keeping children with their families where safe, rather than costly and disruptive external care placements.

Preventing poverty

  • Rolling out Neighbourhood Prevention Partnerships across five local areas to join up services and make help more accessible.
  • Funding for advice and benefits services (building on a £1m allocation in 2025/26).
  • Improving affordable childcare access, expanding affordable housing, and creating a citywide community wealth-building plan.
  • Prioritising the acceleration and improvement of the city-wide early intervention actions needed to prevent poverty in Edinburgh.

Supporting the third sector

  • A sustainable and strengthened package of support for the third sector, including a £1.4m income maximisation fund, providing support for third sector providers of money, welfare, and debt advice in Edinburgh and a £2.0m Local Community Organisations fund – with a further £500k agreed today to support small third sector organisations.

Extra support for health and social care

  • The budget includes an additional £6 million uplift to support the Integration Joint Board budget pressures. This approach provides short-term financial stability for the IJB, allowing focus to remain on service sustainability, transformation and delivery of strategic priorities.
  • Invest £50k towards installing Bleed Kits in Council buildings across the city

New Council Tax bands

A            1,084.03

B            1,264.71

C            1,445.38

D           1,626.05

E            2,136.45

F            2,642.33

G           3,184.35

H           3,983.82

COSLA speaks out against online abuse as councils set budgets

COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, has released the following statement:

“COSLA is concerned to see increasing levels of toxic online behaviour and abuse directed towards Scotland’s elected members, particularly in the wake of Councils setting their budgets and council tax levels for the year.

“Councillors across Scotland are dedicated public servants carrying out their democratic duties on behalf of their communities. They deserve to do so free from intimidation, harassment, or personal attack.

“Budget decisions are taken locally, transparently, and with great care by councillors who have their communities’ best interests at heart and who work tirelessly to protect essential local services under financial constraint. 

“Public debate and scrutiny are vital components of our democracy but abuse, intimidation, and targeted harassment have no place in that discussion.

“COSLA urges all individuals and organisations to engage respectfully, and to recognise that councillors are making incredibly difficult decisions as they work to safeguard essential local services within a national funding landscape that remains extremely challenging. 

“In a world that feels increasingly fractured, building trust in our democracy is rooted in how we treat each other and to that end we welcome robust and open debate and discussion while remaining respectful.”

Edinburgh’s Budget Meeting will take place on Thursday (26 February).

COSLA warns Scottish Budget falls short for local government

COSLA has set out concerns about the Scottish Government’s Budget settlement for Local Government, warning that while there is a modest increase in uncommitted revenue, the settlement remains insufficient to meet rising demand for essential local services.

Following a meeting of council leaders, it was stressed that the increase of £234 million in uncommitted revenue funding for 2026/27 does not address the scale of pressures facing councils, particularly in social care where demand and complexity continue to rise sharply.

COSLA also highlighted urgent concerns about the continued underfunding of the Real Living Wage policy.

While welcoming the increase in funding for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, COSLA warned that the capital funding position for local government is becoming increasingly unsustainable, threatening councils’ ability to invest in vital infrastructure and community assets.

Leaders also expressed significant concern about the medium-term outlook set out in the Spending Review, which suggests continued de-prioritisation of local government and further real-terms cuts over the coming years.

Cllr Ricky Bell, COSLA Spokesperson for Resources, said: “While we acknowledge the increase in uncommitted revenue funding for 2026/27, this settlement falls far short of what is needed to sustain essential local services. Councils are facing acute and growing pressures, particularly in social care, and the current level of funding simply does not reflect the scale or complexity of demand.

“We are especially concerned by the continued underfunding of the Real Living Wage across portfolios including social care. COSLA made a clear and urgent ask for significant additional investment of £750m to protect and strengthen social care, which the Budget as announced fails to deliver.

“Further to this, the medium-term outlook paints a worrying picture for local government, with continued de-prioritisation and the prospect of significant real-terms cuts.

“If councils are to continue delivering for communities, we are calling for urgent and meaningful engagement with the Scottish Government to ensure local government is properly funded to continue delivering the essential services communities rely on every day.”

COSLA reiterated its support for the introduction of additional council tax bands as an interim step towards fundamental reform, emphasising that any changes must be taken forward in close cooperation with COSLA and local government.

In addition, it welcomed the Scottish Government’s forthcoming legislation to remove the cap on council tax premiums for second and empty homes, describing it as a positive step in providing councils with greater local flexibility.

Greens highlight potential funding cuts to community organisations

At yesterday’s meeting of the city council’s Finance and Resource Committee (Thursday 15 January) the Scottish Greens presented an amendment which drew attention to a £15m Scottish government budget cut to community organisations and the end of Investment in Communities.

The shock proposed cut by the Scottish government risks a long list of local community groups being left high and dry as core funding for charities continues to be a pressing issue in the city (see list below).

Finance spokesperson Alex Staniforth said, “We’re glad our amendment passed at committee and officers will investigate the impact of these proposed cuts, but every time we think we’ve got a handle on cuts to the third sector some other proposal comes forward to squeeze it still further.

“The Scottish government should reflect on whether this is the best way to save £15 million given the vital work community organisations do in the city.”

List of Edinburgh organisations potentially affected:

  • About Youth, Calder Youth Action Project (part of Wester Hailes Together), City of Edinburgh, £105,822
  • Community Renewal Trust, Our Neighbourhood: A new hyperlocal Community Wealth Building partnership, City of Edinburgh, £300,732
  • Dr. Bell’s Family Centre, Start Well, Live Well: Wellbeing Support for Families in Leith, City of Edinburgh, £348,067
  • Edinburgh Food Social Cic, Changing Craigmillar Food Culture, City of Edinburgh, £325,847
  • Fresh Start, Fresh Connections, City of Edinburgh, £280,201
  • North Edinburgh Arts, North Edinburgh Arts Link Up, City of Edinburgh, £331,400
  • Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, Together We Can, City of Edinburgh, £350,000
  • The Venchie Children And Young People’s Project, Family Support Service, City of Edinburgh, £208,732
  • Transition Edinburgh South (Scotland) Ltd, Investing in Gracemount, City of Edinburgh, £302,196
  • Whale, The Arts Agency, Creativity, Place and Enterprise in Wester Hailes (part of Wester Hailes Together), City of Edinburgh, £332,494

Link to relevant part of Scot Government budget:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-budget-2026-2027/documents

COSLA calls for £16bn budget boost

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 Scotland’s 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.”

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.”

Budget-Lobbying-Campaign-2025-Final-Version-25-12-08Download

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

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