COSLA President Calls for Stronger Local Voices in Governance

The President of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), Councillor Shona Morrison, has called for a renewed focus on local voices in governance during her opening address at the COSLA Annual Conference held in St Andrews on November 13, 2023. She emphasized that rebuilding public trust in politics requires empowering communities to have a stronger say in local decision-making processes.

Empowering Communities for Local Democracy

In her speech, Councillor Morrison advocated for a bold, long-term vision for local democracy that prioritizes the powers, trust, and resources necessary for communities to thrive. This message comes in the wake of COSLA’s newly launched manifesto, which marks the organization’s 50th anniversary and outlines a roadmap for strengthening local government throughout Scotland.

“Localism means trusting communities, empowering councils, and rejecting unnecessary centralization,” Councillor Morrison stated. She highlighted the importance of recognizing Scotland’s diversity—urban, rural, and island communities—and noted that standardized solutions often fail to address unique local needs. She called for councils to be equipped with the necessary powers and resources to enable informed local decision-making.

The conference, which is COSLA’s first major event following the manifesto launch, features prominent speakers including First Minister John Swinney, Member of Parliament Douglas Alexander, and political strategist Alastair Campbell. The event also includes contributions from Olympic champion Duncan Scott OBE, community advocate David Duke MBE, and Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Gregor Smith.

Key Demands for Future Governance

As part of her agenda, Councillor Morrison reiterated COSLA’s essential demands from all political parties ahead of the 2026 election. These include:

• A fair, multi-year financial settlement to ensure the sustainability of local services.
• Empowerment of local democracy, enabling decisions to be made as close to communities as possible.
• A recognition of the valued role of council staff in delivering public services.
• Embedding children’s rights and opportunities at the center of policy-making for future generations.
• Investment in thriving communities to address inequality and bolster local resilience.
• Support for sustainable economic growth, housing, and transport initiatives, alongside efforts for a just transition to net zero.

The manifesto emphasizes a significant turning point in the relationship between national and local government, advocating for the full implementation of the Verity House Agreement, reform of local taxation, and granting councils new powers to make local decisions based on specific community priorities.

According to Councillor Morrison, “The manifesto is about ensuring we set our own agenda, rather than merely responding to that of others.” She stressed that COSLA aims to be a powerful voice for local governance, urging political leaders to prioritize the needs of communities in the upcoming elections.

She concluded her address by asserting that COSLA’s demands are not negotiable but essential for Scotland’s future. “We want to work constructively with all parties, but we will not accept anything less than fairness and the power to act for our communities,” she stated.

The COSLA Annual Conference, sponsored by CCLA, will continue over the next two days, featuring plenary sessions, panels, and discussions on critical topics such as care reform, climate leadership, community cohesion, and the digital future for upcoming generations.