Scotland’s 32 councils are calling for the country’s political parties to embrace a bold new funding settlement for local government, to reverse what it is says is a deepening crisis in social care.

Local authority organisation COSLA is demanding a £750m immediate boost to social care funding from the next Scottish government.

The request forms a central ask of the organisation’s Holyrood 2026 election manifesto, which highlights that vulnerable children, families and adults face a deepening crisis without urgent action.

Local authorities say workforce shortages in children’s services and social care services are at a critical level, and the next Scottish government must recognise the contribution of the predominantly female workforce through fair, multi-year pay deals and launch a national recruitment campaign.

COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, said the vital role of local democracy in delivering better outcomes for communities can no longer be ignored:

“For many years, local decision making has increasingly shifted away from these communities, limiting their ability to shape local priorities. This at a time when Local Government has been left to do more with less. 

“This manifesto is a turning point. It sets out the clear case for a new relationship with national government - one built on parity of esteem, trust and shared ambition."

The COSLA manifesto says Scotland's councils are contending with a £647m national funding gap and a workforce that has reduced by 11% since 2013.

Meanwhile, demand continues to rise for education, housing, social care and other essential services.

In its manifesto, COSLA has challenged what it calls 'restrictive, centralised targets', including delayed discharge statistics, which undermine local flexibility and hinder improvement.

Local councils are calling for the next Scottish government to fully commitment to the principles of the Verity House Agreement, the cross-government pledge to treat councils as equal partners in decision-making and bring an end to ‘top down’ governance.

COSLA also seeks council tax reform before 2031, the devolution of new revenue-raising powers to councils and the development of a national strategy for community cohesion.

Councillor Morrison said this will be critical amid increasing social tensions:

“This is not just about councils; it’s about the kind of country we want to be. Local government is the backbone of Scotland’s communities. If we want to tackle poverty, support families, grow the economy and create fairer futures, we must start by strengthening local democracy."

"This manifesto sets out a route map to get there. We are ready to work constructively with all parties, but we will not accept anything less than parity of esteem, fairness and the power to act for our communities."

Read more: Analysis: abolishing non-residential care charges; Call to fix date for ending care charges; "Watered down" care reforms disappoint sector;

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