2nd October 2026
The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government was published on 1st of September, with the First Minister stating in the Scottish Parliament his belief that the NHS should take the lead through a single line of decision-making, accountability and funding for social care. Such a change could involve a transfer of legal responsibility from local authorities to NHS Boards. The First Minister has indicated the Scottish Government’s intention to also replace the current 14 territorial NHS Boards with two strategic health boards.
Social care and social work services in Scotland are currently operated through local Health & Social Care Partnerships, which bring local authorities and NHS Boards together to ensure integration in the planning and delivery of community health & social care services.
The Scottish Government’s Programme for Government proposals have been considered by Council Leaders at recent meetings on the 11th and 25th of September, where Councillors have expressed serious concerns regarding the impact of the social care plans.
Commenting on 2nd October 2026, COSLA’s Health & Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly said:
“Individuals are shaped by the people, the buildings, the services and society around them.
“At its heart, social work and social care support are about seeing a whole person and supporting them to live a full life in the community. Social care and social work play an essential role in supporting people to retain their independence, often in their own home, and to help people live well.
“A proposal to incorporate social care into a large health infrastructure could risk medicalising disability, care and support, instead of building on progress towards independent living.
“Social care and social work must be seen as an equal partner to the NHS, not subsumed within it.”
Notes:
See COSLA’s most recent response to the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, including Local Government reform.
