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COSLA has today (12th February) welcomed the budget announcement by the Scottish Government of an additional £20 million for local government to use for social care, which can be used towards funding matters such as the Real Living Wage for adult and childcare services.
Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA's Health and Social Care spokesperson, commented:
"We welcome the Scottish Government's decision to fully fund the cost of implementing the Real Living Wage across contracted Adults and Children's Care.
"This decision is an important one that gives our partner providers assurance that direct care workers will receive at least the Real Living Wage in 2026-27.
"While the additional funding is welcome, the budget still falls short of the £750 million in urgent investment the sector truly needs. COSLA will continue to seek further investment in social care in the years to come."
12th February 2026
