COSLA and Social Work Scotland response to Criminal Justice Committee Pre-Budget Scrutiny Call for Views 2026-27
September 2025
Introduction
COSLA is a councillor-led, cross-party organisation, representing all 32 Councils in Scotland, which champions Councils’ vital work to secure the resources and powers they need. COSLA works on Councils’ behalf to focus on the challenges and opportunities they face, and to engage positively with Governments and others on policy, funding and legislation. We’re here to help councils build better and more equal local communities. To do that we want to empower local decision making and enable Councils to do what works locally.
Social Work Scotland is the professional body for social work leaders, working closely with our partners to shape policy and practice, and improve the quality and experience of social services. The Justice Standing Committee has member representation across JSW services in Scotland, and we work collectively to help make communities safer. It has been a priority to work with Scottish Government, Scottish Prison Service and partners to address the escalating prison population crisis.
COSLA and Social Work Scotland welcome the opportunity to respond to the Committee’s call for views.
