One of Scotland’s greatest strengths is the passion people have for the places where they live, work and raise their families.

The new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham MP has vowed to “take power out of here [Westminster] and carry it into every postcode in the land”.  This week COSLA President Cllr Shona Morrison wrote to the Prime Minister, inviting dialogue on this in addition to the continued lobbying of Scottish Government further devolution of empowerment to the most appropriate local level.

Most people do not spend their time thinking about council meetings, planning processes or public budgets – but they do care about having a safe and welcoming place to live, parks for their children to play, thriving town centres and services they can rely on. We’re continually trying to improve and increase the ways in which people can shape the services and places that affect their lives.

When people feel listened to, they are far more likely to get involved. Their ideas, experience and local knowledge can help shape better solutions, strengthen public services and create a stronger sense of pride in the places they call home.

There are already inspiring examples of this happening across Scotland.

Local groups have taken ownership of buildings and facilities that might otherwise have been lost, transforming them into busy spaces that bring people together, support local activities and provide services that matter to local people.

In some areas, community ownership has helped create homes, support businesses, attract investment and build a more sustainable future. There are many success stories that demonstrate the power of putting decisions closer to the people affected by them.

Giving people a direct say over how public money is spent has also delivered real and meaningful benefits. Residents have helped decide which projects receive funding, supporting everything from youth activities and environmental improvements to local events and neighbourhood initiatives. While these projects may be small in scale, their impact can be significant, bringing people together, boosting confidence and improving everyday life for local communities.

The places that flourish are often those where people work together. Residents, local organisations, businesses and public services all have an important role to play. When people come together around a shared goal, stronger ideas emerge and greater outcomes follow.

Local government gets this and is essential in facilitating communities of all kinds to take action. We have the organisational capacity and infrastructure to help communities to drive change, and with greater financial support from national government we can do more to help develop locally tailored solutions and preserve services that communities prioritise, in line with the Place Principle that both COSLA and the Scottish Government are committed to.

Scotland faces a range of challenges, from economic pressures, an ageing population, and the need to tackle climate change. Meeting those challenges will require innovative thinking, strong partnerships and a willingness to do things differently.

The good news is that every town, village and neighbourhood already has one of the most important ingredients for success - people who care and want to be involved. People who volunteer their time, support local causes, look out for their neighbours and want the best for the place where they live. And we know there are many more who care deeply, but don’t know how to use that passion, or don’t believe their voice and actions will have an impact. We need to intensify our efforts to build the confidence of communities in their ability to influence change.

The future of Scotland will be strongest when it is shaped in our towns, villages and neighbourhoods, with the people who live there. Giving people a meaningful say in what happens in their area helps create better places, stronger connections and a shared sense of purpose. That is why we cannot underestimate the importance of local democracy and community empowerment.

To get involved with decision making in your community, a good place to start is your local council’s website. You’ll find information on how decision making in the council works, as well as information on community councils, community planning, funding for local projects, and voluntary organisations. To find your council, visit: Contact your local council in Scotland - mygov.scot