As the year draws to a close, we’d like to wish colleagues across local government, our partners and stakeholders a very Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year.
We wish everyone a restful festive period and look forward to continuing our work together in 2026.
Social care pressures are spiralling.
Integration Joint Boards have faced £497m pressures in 2025/26.
A £750m investment in the Scottish Budget could stabilise the system and add 19k social workers + 9k care packages.
Read more in our budget campaign➡️https://t.co/ykA3NcsuJD
@StevenHeddle wraps up @COSLA conference #COSLA25 the future of localism has to be bright and shaped by us. We must work together and not take democracy for granted!
@kezdugdale hosted a great discussion on civility in public life with Fiona McQueen (SPA), Cllr Lis Burnett @WelshLGA and Conor Matchett recognising we need people to come into elected office not to be but to do. The future of localism is being connected @COSLA#COSLA25
One of our most relevant discussions - what is the source of the lack of civility in public life and what do we do about it? Prof Kezia Dugdale, Conor Matchett, Fiona McQueen and Cllr Lis Burnett @WelshLGA
@RestIsPolitics@campbellclaret communications is caring @jambodaveyk epitomised that! Gone but not forgotten and set the tone for how we do what we do. Our purpose is improvement not for the few but for all @COSLA the future of localism is ours to shape #COSLA25
Rounding off our first day of COSLA Conference, we are delighted to be hosting the COSLA Excellence Awards Ceremony this evening at The Fairmont, St Andrews.
Stay tuned to the COSLA social media channels to be among the first to hear our winners!
Highlights from the #COSLA25 afternoon:
🔹 Collaboration for health equity
🔹 Community cohesion
🔹 @PoliceScotland reform journey
🔹 Supporting communities
🔹 Address from @ScotGovFM
Engaging, impactful discussion across sectors!
@ScotGovFM addressing @COSLA conference emphasising the benefits of relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Recognising the everyday impact an empowered local government makes everyday #COSLA25
Admiring the problem is what stops us creating the change we need. What’s the one thing we can all do? Fiona Duncan’s message is clear - be brave the jigsaw puzzle of reform is ours to put together @COSLA#COSLA25
@EllieMSYP is clear we won’t tackle the challenges of online life by removing technology from children and young people in schools. We must listen, work with & support future generations to have the skills and knowledge to change how we all act and behave online @COSLA#COSLA25
Message from Susanne Miller and Robin Tuddenham - if we want community cohesion we need to be curious, harness the intelligence and understanding of our workforce and have visible and courageous leadership. The future of localism is ours to shape @COSLA#COSLA25
A strong start to #COSLA25!
🔹 Presidential Address from Cllr Shona Morrison
🔹 Sports & major events unlocking community benefit
🔹 European perspective on localism
🔹 Online life & future generations
🔹 Address by Secretary of State for Scotland
Plenty of insight + optimism!
COSLA’s President, Cllr Shona Morrison, opened the 2025 Annual Conference, marking 50 years of local government.
The keynote address highlighted the need to strengthen localism, ensuring decisions are made closest to communities.
#COSLA25
@MorayShona kicks off @COSLA conference and challenges us to shape the future of localism. We must lead from the front, challenge traditional thinking and deliver the change our communities need #COSLA25
🌟We are excited to welcome delegates to our Annual Conference this week, on 13–14 Nov, in St Andrews!
This year's theme is: The Future of Localism.
Read the updated programme 👉 https://t.co/pGy64DUgVS
#COSLA2025#LocalGovernment#FutureofLocalism
COSLA President, Cllr Shona Morrison, was a guest speaker at today's National Trauma Learning Event 2025.
COSLA is pleased to continue to support this vital work & welcomes the learning report which demonstrates the range of excellent work that is happening across the country.