Scotland’s local authorities say they are being left out of the election campaign despite their central role in delivering services such as social care.

COSLA, the organisation that represents Scottish councils says, with less than three weeks to go until the polls, local government must become an election priority for all political parties.

COSLA President, Councillor Alison Evison, says although many of the policies delivered by councils – not least care of the elderly and vulnerable – have been under discussion during the election campaign, the role of councils isn’t being acknowledged:

“Scottish local government plays a vital role in the lives of people within our communities, and this has never been more needed than in this past year,” Councillor Evison says.

“We have not heard much about local government in this year’s campaign so far and that is disappointing.

“COSLA has already called on all political parties to acknowledge the rightful role of local government in their manifestos ahead of this year’s election.

“Local government is the anchor in our communities with a committed workforce who are invested in their communities and take pride in supporting people through good times and bad.

“Care of the elderly and vulnerable within our communities has never been more important and, again, it is councils who rise to meet this challenge.

“We help individuals and businesses in times of crisis, often when there is no one else to turn to and again this is something that was highlighted during the pandemic.

“It is also important to look at how we help with the health of the nation. It should not be forgotten how much we support the health service – be that with gritting roads and pavements or running sport and leisure facilities. We are also responsible for services that help address isolation and mental health.”

Of the manifestos published so far, both the Scottish Greens and SNP support the creation of a national care service, while the Scottish Liberal Democrats do not.

In the blueprint for a national care service by the Derek Feeley-led independent review of adult social care, which published its recommendations earlier this year, the role of local government in commissioning adult social care services is handed to health and social care partnerships, with councils only retaining the status of providers alongside the third and independent sector.

COSLA expressed ‘grave concern’ at the proposals, saying they undermined local, and locally accountable, decision-making.

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