Council / COSLA manifesto given warm welcome from council leader
A NEW manifesto created by Scottish local authority organisation COSLA has been hailed as “incredibly important” by the leader of Shetland Islands Council (SIC).
The manifesto – which comes ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections next year – was launched by COSLA on Friday, with the tag line saying “strong communities start with local government”.
Emma Macdonald said a key ask in the manifesto is around sustainable finance for local services as well as additional funding – something which is “particularly important” for the health and social care sector as well as infrastructure projects.
COSLA president councillor Shona Morrison said the importance of the 2026 Scottish elections “cannot be overstated given the challenges we are now collectively facing”.
“It is my strong belief that we can only overcome the threats our public services face by embracing local decision making and enabling individuals, families and communities to live well locally,” she said in the manifesto’s foreword.
“This means recognising and valuing democracy in all of its forms starting with respect and trust in democracy closest to people – local government.”
The manifesto says local government has combined revenue of £18 billion but faces a £647 million projected budget gap.
Among the calls on government in the manifesto are increased, multi-year flexible funding for Scottish councils, as well as freedom to raise revenue locally.
There are also calls for council tax reform, and a recommitment to the principles of the Verity House Agreement, which was first published in 2023 and aimed to bolster links between central and local government.
The manifesto too has calls regarding the workforce, including an “end to restrictive, centralised targets”, while COSLA is keen to see a “refreshed approach” to early childhood development and learning in a digital age.
A focus on tackling poverty, supporting mental health and ending violence against women and girls are among the other aims.
It also calls for a “sustained commitment to building new affordable housing” and increased investment in public transport – including capital investment for remote, rural and island areas.
Macdonald – who is standing for the Liberal Democrats in the Shetland 2026 election – said the manifesto sets out what local government needs from the Scottish Government to allow councils to continue to service their communities.
“One of the key asks is around sustainable finance for local services and additional funding – this is particularly important for health and social care services and vital infrastructure projects,” she said.
“Here in Shetland we know that our services cost more to deliver due to our location which is why the manifesto is asking for funding to not be ring-fenced.
“This will allow areas like ours to make sure we prioritise what we know matters to our communities and what we need to invest in.
“The manifesto also calls for a re-commitment of the Verity House Agreement and the need for local government’s views to be respected and recognised which is vital for local government to work well with the Scottish Government.”
Regarding the mention of investment in transport, Macdonald said the council has been saying for a long time that funds are needed to “tackle depopulation and to help outgrow our opportunities”.
“We know that we already contribute significantly to Scotland and if we had greater connectivity then our industries could develop further and increase their productivity.”
The SIC is currently exploring the concept of tunnels for some of its islands, while it has received a one-off £10 million grant from the Scottish Government which is likely to go towards a new ferry to build more resilience into the inter-island network.
Meanwhile Macdonald said it is important that COSLA has a voice in the upcoming election, “so that whoever forms the next government is aware of the important role that local government plays in helping people to live well and that it also considers it as a way to prevent future spend in areas such as the NHS”.
“Here in Shetland we work well in partnership with other agencies such as NHS Shetland but it’s important that government understands the need to invest in local government to help improve the outcomes of everyone,” she added.
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