Commenting on the Prime Minister’s speech on devolution, COSLA Vice President, Cllr Steven Heddle today (16 October) stressed the need for early and meaningful engagement with Scottish Local Government around any significant proposals for a model of regional empowerment.
Cllr Heddle said:
“The Prime Minister has set out UK Government’s thinking around greater devolution to Scotland and to Local Government in particular. COSLA is strongly supportive of that principle of subsidiarity, and has been actively and positively involved in discussions around regional economic partnership working, albeit not the specifics of the Prime Minister’s speech today. The development of any proposals such as this must be based around meaningful engagement. COSLA stands ready to participate fully in any discussions with both UK and Scottish Governments around the future shape of local democracy in Scotland.
“Our position remains consistent - this must be about bringing decisions closer to communities, improving local democracy and delivering better outcomes for all. This should not be devolution imposed from the top down.
“Communities and vital staff delivering services day-in-day out must meaningfully inform the future of local services and UK Government must work with COSLA on any future devolution proposals.”
16th October 2026
