Councillor Katie Hagmann has decided to take a break from her role as COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson due to other commitments.

At COSLA’s Autumn Convention meeting on Friday 14th November, Councillor Hagmann confirmed she will be stepping back from her role until May 2026, and Councillor Richard Bell was thereafter appointed by COSLA Convention to the role of interim Resources Spokesperson.

In her time as COSLA’s Spokesperson, Councillor Hagmann has represented Scottish Local Government in discussions with Leaders, the Scottish and UK Governments and undertaken engagements with key partners across the public sector on vital topics including advocating for a fair deal on behalf of local government in the Scottish and UK budgets, digital access and provision, and the local government workforce.

Katie has also acted as lead negotiator in local government pay negotiations, where she has played a vital role in agreeing fair and sustainable pay deals for our workforce.

Councillor Katie Hagmann said:

“After almost four years in post as COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, I have taken the decision to take a break from the role. Thank you first and foremost to my colleagues across COSLA and Local Government, whose commitment to supporting people locally is always inspiring. It has been a privilege to work with people across all levels of Local Government in this role.

“Local Government is the sphere of government closest to people in their communities, and I am proud to have been able to advocate for the fantastic people who make up Local Government over the past years.

“I am pleased to confirm that Councillor Ricky Bell was appointed as the interim Resources Spokesperson until May 2026 at the recent COSLA Convention. Ricky is an experienced and respected Councillor and will be an excellent fit for this important portfolio of work.”

Councillor Ricky Bell said:

“I am delighted to have been appointed COSLA Resources Spokesperson at an exciting and challenging time for Scottish Local Government. Councils are facing some really difficult circumstances at the moment in regard to budgets and finance, and the role COSLA plays here is incredibly important. I very much look forward to many upcoming opportunities to advocate for Local Government at the national level when this work is more important than ever.

“As well as challenges there are many opportunities ahead of us. There is a huge amount of creativity, innovation and passion for local communities demonstrated every day on the ground by our local council teams.

“I take very seriously my new role and the opportunity COSLA has to advocate for Councils to help them to continue doing what they do best – supporting local people every day."

COSLA Chief Executive, Jane O’Donnell said:

“Firstly, I thank Councillor Hagmann for all of her efforts during her time as COSLA Resources Spokesperson. Katie has shown such commitment to her COSLA role and to local government and achieved a great deal in her time in post. While Katie will be missed, Councillor Ricky Bell’s experience and passion for local government make him a fantastic fit for the role and advocate for local government.

“With so much coming up on the horizon with budgets, elections and COSLA’s manifesto and continued lobbying work, I look forward to working with Ricky and all of our Political Team who continue to represent Scottish Local Government in key engagements and discussions that have a real impact our councils and communities.”

28th November 2025