COSLA

📣The COSLA Excellence Awards 2026 are now live!

COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, said:

“I’m proud to launch the 2026 COSLA Excellence Awards, recognising the commitment, creativity and impact of colleagues across local government who work every day to support and improve our communities. It’s an honour to serve as Chair of the awards this year and to help spotlight the achievements that make such a difference across Scotland.

These awards are about celebrating the people behind the services – those whose dedication, innovation and hard work improve lives in ways that often go unseen.

I would encourage everyone in local government to take this opportunity to put forward your inspiring teams, individuals and projects. Make sure your work gets the recognition it deserves! Submit your nominations and join us in celebrating the very best of Scottish local government.”

More information can be found on our website here: https://ow.ly/ZSKk50Z3L17

Apply by 5pm on Friday 24th July using our online form: https://ow.ly/t3J750Z3L1a

COSLA politicians and officers are delighted to be attending this evening’s reception at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood.

Tonight is a valuable opportunity to connect with new, and newly returned MSPs at the beginning of this new parliamentary session. We look forward to engaging with Members, sharing key priorities for local government, and strengthening relationships that will support effective cross-party collaboration for communities across Scotland.

Today, COSLA officers are in the Scottish Parliament delivering a session, alongside SPICe, entitled ‘ An Introduction to Local Government in Scotland’ for new MSPs. The aim of the session is to ensure MSPs understand the essential role councils play in supporting communities and shaping outcomes across the country. We look forward to identifying opportunities for collaboration and continuing the positive relationship between Local Government and the Scottish Parliament.

Today, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Cllr Paul Kelly, spoke at the SFHA’s annual conference on social housing as a public health intervention. The session focused on the importance of safe and affordable housing in keeping people well and reducing demand on other services. A fascinating and important discussion on the benefit of social housing, community support, and local government in driving forward the public health agenda.

Carers Week takes place from 8th to 12th June 2026.

Carers Week is an annual campaign led by Carers UK to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face, and recognise the contribution carers make to families and communities in Scotland and across the UK.

This year’s theme is Building Carer Friendly Communities. Carer friendly communities are places, spaces, services and community groups where unpaid carers are recognised, understood, and valued. They make support part of everyday life ensuring carers get the opportunities and help they need.

More information on Carers Week, including events and activities taking place in your local area can be found on the Carers Week website here: https://ow.ly/3WwN50Z8Ike

COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Cllr Paul Kelly, commented:
“Three in five of us will take on a caring responsibility in our lifetime. Every single day, carers enable people they care for to get the most out of life. I would like to thank each carer for the vital support they provide to the people they care for, and for the contributions they make to the health and social care system as a whole.

“Building carer friendly communities is essential to ensure that carers feel supported in their caring roles and are able to lead the lives they wish, and Local Government plays a key role in enabling this. I encourage us all to take the time this Carers Week to consider what more we can do to support carers in our communities. I also encourage carers to explore the range of Carers Week activities in their local areas, to connect with fellow carers and find advice and support.”

Refugee Festival Scotland is back from 12–21 June 2026 with over 150 taking place across Scotland!

COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, Councillor Maureen Chalmers, said:

"Refugee Festival Scotland provides an opportunity for communities across Scotland to come together to celebrate the cultures, talents and contributions of refugees and people seeking asylum. With events taking place in towns, cities and islands across the country, the Festival showcases the diversity, creativity and sense of welcome that helps make Scotland a place where people can rebuild their lives and feel part of their community. I am delighted to see so many communities participating this year and would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to get involved in an event near them."

See their event programme and sign up to events in your area:

Events - Refugee Festival Scotland EventsRefugee Festival Scotland is back from 12 – 21 June 2026 and the programme is now LIVE!Join us for 150+ events across Scotland, which are open to everyone.All events are free or ticketed on a sliding scale, with free entry options for refugees and asylum seekers.سيعود مهرجان ال....

Ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, COSLA published a series of white papers to help shape debate across all political parties.

Each paper brings together COSLA’s agreed, cross party policy positions on key issues.

We will continue to champion these proposals throughout this parliamentary term.

The white papers include:

• Education
• Social Care
• Housing
• Tackling Poverty
• Scotland’s Population
• Economic development
• Public leisure and sport
• Strengthening local democracy

https://www.cosla.gov.uk/manifesto/white-papers

Our manifesto sets out what local government needs from the Scottish Government to continue to serve local communities and enable us all to live well locally.

Our key asks are grouped under six priority areas:

1. Sustainable finance for local services
2. Local Democracy and community empowerment
3. Our workforce
4. Future generations
5. Thriving and cohesive communities
6. Thriving places

We need the Scottish Government to work together with local government, as equal partners, to deliver lasting change and improve outcomes.

https://www.cosla.gov.uk/manifesto