In response to the Cabinet Secretary for Health stating in Parliament today (Tuesday 1st October) that the Scottish Government would work with individual councils on the National Care Service Bill, COSLA's Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly, said:

“We note the comments made today by the Cabinet Secretary for Health that the Scottish Government will seek to work with individual councils on the National Care Service.  COSLA is a Councillor-led, cross-party organisation, representing all 32 Councils in Scotland. COSLA works on Councils’ behalf to focus on the opportunities and challenges faced by Local Government. 

“On Friday, Council Leaders agreed to withdraw support for the current National Care Service plans. This reflected the disappointment felt that Local Government’s concerns and feedback were not being sufficiently considered by Scottish Government, in particular regarding provisions in the Bill that centralise decision making. There was also concern that the Bill as it stands would not improve outcomes for people in our communities.

“COSLA submitted a written response to Parliament’s Call for Views on the revised Bill a number of weeks ago. This response was agreed by all council Leaders at their meeting at the end of August and sets out significant concerns with a number of elements of the Bill”