ALT A purple background with a photo of Councillor Steven Heddle and the text "The European Charter of Local Self Government gives us a clear test for Public Service Reform: does it put communities first? Scottish Ministers now have a legal duty to act compatibly with the Charter, and, while the First Minister has made clear that COSLA will be a key partner throughout the reform process, underpinned by the Act, that must be reflected in how change is designed and delivered."

ALT A purple image showing books with the text "Scottish Government proposes changes for education. How education in Scotland could be impacted by the Local Government Reform proposals in the Programme for Government."

ALT A purple background showing people at desks with the text "Services delivered by councils across Scotland play an essential role in helping children and young people thrive and realise their full potential. From education, early learning and childcare. To safe and affordable housing. From sports and leisure spaces. To health, social work and social care." Four images show a book with a lightbulb, houses, sports equipment and hands holding people.

ALT A purple background with a map of Scotland and the title "What is changing?" Three text boxes note that Scottish Government plans to create 6-10 regional councils, with 120-160 community authorities and Single Authority Models for island communities. This would have significant impacts for integrated council services, including education. COSLA is clear that structural reorganisation should not be the starting point and education reform must be led by evidence, outcomes and local democracy.

ALT A purple background and image of Councillor Tony Buchanan in a blue suit and the text "COSLA Children and Young People Spokesperson, Councillor Tony Buchanan, said that: “Councils are uniquely placed to connect education with the wider services that help children and young people thrive. We support reform that strengthens teaching, the curriculum, prevention, workforce planning, regional capacity and accountability, while keeping decisions as close as possible to the communities they affect.”

ALT A photo of Councillor Tony Buchanan in a blue suit with a green tie. With the text "Education reform must be led by evidence, outcomes and local democracy. Councillor Tony Buchanan, COSLA Children and Young People Spokesperson."

ALT A dark purple background with the text, "Scotland should be ambitious for every child and young person. Reform must close the gap between a good education system and a great one, while recognising that learning is inseparable from family support, tackling poverty, health, housing and the strength of local communities. Councillor Tony Buchanan, COSLA Children and Young People Spokesperson."

ALT A light purple background with an image of COSLA and the Scottish Government's "Hate Crime Toolkit" cover and contents page.

ALT A purple background showing people in the street, with the text "Putting communities at the heart of public service reform. How the European Charter of Local Self-Government can shape the future of Scotland’s public services."

ALT A purple background showing a street with the text "What is the Charter?" and three bullet points explaining that the Charter is an international agreement that protects local democracy, with a simple core idea: that decisions should be made as close to the people affected as possible. Scotland has now incorporated the Charter into law. This text is accompanied by three icons showing a document, people and a gavel.

ALT A purple background with a map of Scotland. The title reads "In practice, the Charter means that" followed by the text: "Decisions are taken close to communities. Councils are accountable to the people who elect them. Local Government is consulted on decisions that affect it. Councils have the powers and funding to deliver for their communities." This text is accompanied by four icons representing community, people, decision-making and funding.

ALT A purple background with people working at desks. The title reads "What does it mean for public service reform?" followed by the text "The Scottish Government has set out plans to reform Scotland’s public services. The First Minister has committed to honouring the Charter as part of that reform. COSLA believes reform should start with what people and communities need, not with structures or boundaries."

ALT A purple background with the text "COSLA Conference 2026. Masterclass: Fostering Cohesive Communities. 19 November." With portraits of Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton from Police Scotland in a police uniform, and Dr Sabir Zazai, Chief Executive of Scottish Refugee Council in a blue suit.

ALT A purple background with COSLA branding and a photo of Councillor Steven Heddle at a podium, with the text "Scotland’s councils and communities to have a stronger voice in the decisions that shape their lives. Councillor Steven Heddle, COSLA Vice President."

ALT A purple background with a quote from Councillor Steven Heddle, COSLA Vice President. In the quote Councillor Heddle welcomes the commencement of the European Charter into Scots Law and discusses its importance in the public service reform debate.

ALT A photo of Cllr Paul Kelly with the text "Encouraging vaccination uptake this winter. As the winter vaccination programme for flu and Covid begins, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Cllr Paul Kelly, emphasises the importance of getting vaccinated for people at greatest risk."

ALT A dark purple background with a quote from Cllr Paul Kelly, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson. This highlights the importance of checking whether you are eligible for the free flu, Covid vaccine or both. Cllr Kelly notes how vaccination remains the best protection against the flu and Covid, and helps protect health and social care workers. COSLA are working closely with social care representatives to address challenges in workforce access to vaccinations.

ALT A dark purple background with the title "COSLA Elected Member Bulletin". Followed by four light purple bubbles highlighting four key points from the bulletin: COSLA Briefing - Emerging PSR Proposals, COSLA Conference 2026, Hate Crime Awareness Week and Social Work Scotland Conference" followed by the text "and lots more!"

ALT COSLA blog page on a laptop about Hate Crime Awareness Week promoting inclusive communities by Maureen Chalmers.

ALT Portrait of Councillor Katie Pragnell Lees smiling against a purple background for COSLA's European Local Democracy Week blog.