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

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

Yesterday Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, met with IMSERSO - including representatives from national and regional governments across Spain - to discuss the importance of embedding human rights approaches into the delivery and evaluation of social care services.

A valuable discussion that reinforced our shared ambitions between Scotland and Spain for systems that consistently enable access to high quality care and support.