COSLA has congratulated all newly elected and returning Members of the Scottish Parliament and called for a renewed era of partnership working between national and local government.
As Scotland enters a new parliamentary term, COSLA said the challenges facing communities, public services and local economies require a strong, respectful and collaborative relationship between Holyrood and Local Government.
COSLA said the new Parliament has an opportunity to build on significant progress already made in strengthening local democracy, including the passing of the European Charter of Local Self-Government into Scots Law earlier this year.
The organisation also highlighted the importance of continuing the spirit of collaboration established through a refreshed Verity House Agreement, the partnership agreement between COSLA and the Scottish Government which set out “a vision for a more collaborative approach to delivering our shared priorities for the people of Scotland.”
COSLA said the Verity House Agreement should continue to underpin the relationship between national and local government during the new parliamentary term.
COSLA President Councillor Shona Morrison said:
“The importance of this election cannot be overstated given the challenges we are collectively facing. We can only overcome the pressures on our public services by embracing local decision making and enabling individuals, families and communities to live well locally.
“Local government delivers change every day. Councils respond directly to the needs and priorities of local people, protect communities, and create opportunity across Scotland’s towns, villages and cities.
“The passing of the European Charter into law marked a landmark moment for Scottish democracy. It strengthens the relationship between national and local government and recognises the vital role councils play in improving lives and reducing inequalities across Scotland.
“The Verity House Agreement sets out what can be achieved when local and national government work together as equal partners. We now need to build on that foundation with an open, honest and respectful relationship based on trust, shared responsibility and meaningful local empowerment.
“Our message to the incoming Scottish Government is clear: We need you to work together with local government, as equal partners, to deliver lasting change and improve outcomes.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
COSLA has today issued information to MSPs.
The COSLA 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).https://www.cosla.gov.uk/manifesto
COSLA launched a series of white papers in advance of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. They are designed to influence the thinking of all political parties in the lead-up to the Scottish Parliament election. They bring together previously agreed, cross-party COSLA policy positions on specific issues. https://www.cosla.gov.uk/manifesto/white-papers
1st June 2026
