COSLA today (11th September), confirmed that Local Government will engage constructively in the Scottish Government's proposed three-month dialogue on public service reform, but participation must not be mistaken for agreement to any predetermined structure or transfer of responsibilities. Councillors are elected by their communities to represent their interests. It is therefore vital to public trust that engagement is meaningful and truly informs any change to public services.
Council Leaders are clear: public service reform must be developed jointly by Local Government and Scottish Government, grounded in evidence, focused on outcomes, and shaped by the communities and workforce who will be most affected.
COSLA President, Cllr Shona Morrison, stated clearly:
“Public service reform will only succeed if it is rooted in communities, not organisational charts. Local Government will engage with Scottish Government, but we will not support reforms that dilute local democracy, centralise decision-making or remove accountability from the people we serve. Decisions around public service reform must be made in agreement between Local Government and the Scottish Government and have the endorsement of councils on any issue affecting them.”
There will be no “one size fits all” approach
Public services should be designed with the focus being on outcomes, not organisational structures.
Services should remain local and closest to communities by default, work regionally where scale adds value, and operate nationally only where there is a clear benefit. Protecting local accountability of our public services is essential. Councils already have practical proposals for greater collaboration, shared services and stronger partnership working across the public sector.
Social care must remain local
Council Leaders have once again reaffirmed that social care and social work services must remain within Local Government and be accountable to local communities.
Social care and social work should be an equal partner to the NHS not subordinated to it.
Any approach to social care reform must recognise that it is not simply about meeting individual needs, but about removing societal and structural barriers, advancing inclusion, and supporting people have choice, control, and be able to participate in their communities. Local Government must be an equal partner in shaping future arrangements.
Communities and Staff Must Be Heard
COSLA is seeking assurance that communities, the workforce and their Trade Unions will be fully involved, and that evidence is not sidelined by a compressed timetable. Scotland already has a strong foundation for reform through years of work on local democracy and democratic literacy.
The Financial Case for Public Service Reform
Councils need clarity on expected costs, savings, risks and the investment required to make any change successful. Public Service Reform cannot become a vehicle for cutting the Local Government settlement, and we cannot afford to put our communities at risk like that. Sustainable reform requires funding certainty, investment in prevention and resources that match responsibilities.
Looking at the Whole System
A debate on local governance must not focus solely on councils. COSLA believes there is a strong case for considering whether some functions currently delivered nationally could benefit from local democratic accountability. Councils recognise and have been progressing opportunities for greater collaboration across the wider public sector – but these should be underpinned by local knowledge and understanding of needs.
Key Messages from COSLA Leaders
- A planned approach to Public Service Reform must be agreed jointly between Local Government and Scottish Government, be flexible and asymmetric recognising the different geographies, demographics and needs across Scotland.
- Consideration should be given to a range of services not currently within the remit of local government that should be brought closer to local democratic accountability, such as public health, transport and further and higher education;
- Council Tax reform must be delivered on – Local Government has been seeking this for over a decade and the analysis published today shows public support for the case for change.
- Social care and social work services must remain within Local Government and not be over-medicalised.
- Communities, staff and trade unions must have a meaningful role in shaping Public Service Reform.
- Public Service Reform must respect the Verity House Agreement, the European Charter on Local Self Government, and local democratic mandates.
- Local government elections in May 2027 should not be affected by Public Service Reform proposals, and the election timeline should be considered in this process.
- The workforce impacts must be carefully considered and addressed, prior to any agreement on change.
- Greater clarity is needed on the financial implications of Public Service Reform.
Scotland's public services will be strengthened not by imposing structures from the top down, but by working with councils, communities and the workforce to deliver better outcomes for people.
All enquiries to press@cosla.gov.uk or 07483903028.
11 September 2026
