Cosla

A new strategy has been developed with the help of more than 700 asylum seekers and refugees to help them settle into communities across Scotland. The main aims on the New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy, which has been endorsed by the United Nations Refugee Agency, are to provide education, hous

Legislation to set up a Scottish social security agency passed its first hurdle at the Scottish Parliament yesterday as MSPs unanimously agreed the general principles of the Social Security (Scotland) Bill. During the debate, cross party consensus was given for an additional principle in the Bill re

Scotland’s local authorities have been praised for their work to provide a safe home for refugee families as the country marked the arrival of the 2000th refugee through the Syrian Resettlement Programme, three years ahead of schedule. Supported by COSLA, Scottish councils have met their goal to r

Shona Robison A nation plan has been published which aims to improve workforce planning and showcase innovations in social care.

The “really difficult times” faced by local government over the last few years will remain into the future despite a more measured approach by the Scottish Government in delivering the local government settlement for next year, according to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA). D

Extra funding of a billion pounds over the next three years is needed to address the gap of funding that exists in social care in Scotland today, MSPs heard this week. Scottish Care told the Scottish Parliament’s health and sport committee inquiry into care home sustainability that care homes are

Communities secretary Angela Constance and COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison visit Leith Theatre to launch the Local Governance Review A Local Governance Review has been launched to allow communities to have their say on how more decisions can be taken at a local level.

Councils are showing increasing signs of financial stress and could see their cash reserves run out in two to three years, the local authority watchdog has warned. In its annual financial overview published today the Accounts Commission said funding has reduced while costs and demands have increased

Councillor Kelly Parry As Midlothian councillor Kelly Parry settles into her post as spokesperson for community wellbeing at the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), Scottish Housing News asks about the housing elements of her wide-ranging role.

National charity for homeless people Crisis is running a major consultation as part of its 50th anniversary year to develop a plan to end homelessness. The plan will be informed by gathering the evidence and opinions of those who know homelessness and related issues best – the people who have expe

David Gauke MP The roll out of the devolution of welfare powers to Scotland and concerns over Universal Credit will be raised by the Scottish Parliament’s social security committee when it takes evidence from secretary of state for work and pensions David Gauke MP.

An alliance of ten organisations from the planning and placemaking sector in Scotland has launched a new campaign to help influence new planning guidelines ahead of the upcoming Planning Bill. The Scottish Alliance for People and Places, which includes COSLA and the Scottish Federation of Housing As

Jeane Freeman Social security minister Jeane Freeman has outlined more details on Scotland’s new social security agency and provided an update on the Scottish Government’s progress to abolish the ‘bedroom tax’ at source and in delivering choice in Universal Credit.

Jeane Freeman Social security minister Jeane Freeman met local councils yesterday to discuss the practical steps needed to encourage more people to claim the financial support they are entitled to.

Aberdeen City Council has agreed to rejoin the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) after a two year absence. Councillors made the decision at a meeting of the full council yesterday as the local authority installed co-leaders for the first time in its history.