Title

TRANSFORMATION

Scottish health and social care integration must 'happen faster' - report

The integration of health and social care needs to ‘happen faster,’ a report has concluded.

The integration of health and social care needs to ‘happen faster,' a report has concluded.

A joint report, published by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), welcomed what it characterised as ‘good progress in some local areas' on health and social care integration.

However, it warned that some local partnerships were ‘making less progress'.

Effective strategic planning and clear governance and accountability arrangements were recommended to ensure progress on integration continues.

Cabinet secretary Jeane Freeman said: 'We need to act together and in our individual roles to accelerate progress.

‘There are challenges we must address, and we recognise that we need to adapt, compromise and support one another to deliver integration for the people of Scotland.'

TRANSFORMATION

A new accountability architecture to enable fiscal devolution

By Marcus Johns | 08 July 2026

The next phase of devolution depends on stronger local governance, scrutiny and democratic accountability, says Marcus Johns.

TRANSFORMATION

Shifting from LGR to integration

By Dr Catherine Howe | 08 July 2026

New unitary councils must transition well following reorganisation and the Local Councils Network is the ideal companion for councils seeking to deeply moder...

TRANSFORMATION

Neighbourhood health cannot exist without local government

By Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE | 08 July 2026

As the Local Government Association launches a new online Neighbourhood Heath Hub this week, Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor says excluding councils from Integrated Car...

TRANSFORMATION

Funding pledge could shackle social care reform

By Martin Ford | 07 July 2026

The prospects for social care reform under an Andy Burnham government could be constrained by his tax pledges.

Popular articles by William Eichler