As President of COSLA I am proud to present to you our manifesto for the2026 Holyrood election. The importance of this election cannot be understated given the challenges we are now collectively facing. It is my strong belief that we can only overcome the threats our public services face by embracing local decision making and enabling individuals, families and communities to live well locally.
This means recognising and valuing democracy in all of its forms starting with respect and trust in democracy closest to people - local government.
Why local government? Because direct accountability and decision making closest to those we live with and share our towns, villages and cities with, keeps us focused on local people, local families, their needs and their priorities. National government and our parliament set the conditions for change, but local government delivers change daily, it enhances opportunity for all, and it responds to people’s everyday needs.
As local democratically elected representatives, councillors advocate, fight for and protect individual and collective rights. Together with the local government workforce they shape and deliver services to meet the ever-changing needs of their communities.
As we mark 50 years of being the representative voice of Scottish local government, this COSLA manifesto on behalf of our member councils is our ask to those that wish to form the next Scottish Government to recognise, respect and value the critical role that local government can and does play in our everyday lives.
Democracy doesn’t stand still, it must be nourished, protected and strengthened. A strong, open and honest working relationship between local and national government is at the heart of ensuring we live in a Scotland that is cohesive, generous and offers the opportunity for everyone to thrive.
The asks set out below are our call to action, our offer of partnership and our collective ambition for the communities we serve, live in and trust. We stand ready to work with whoever forms the next Scottish Government to deliver real change based on recognising our individual and collective roles and responsibilities. An empowered local government is not a ‘nice to have’ it is a ‘must have’.
Councillor Shona Morrison
COSLA President
