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The COSLA Health and Social Care Board convened for its first meeting of 2025, setting the stage for a year of transformative action in Scotland’s health and social care sectors. Chaired by Councillor Paul Kelly, the Board delved into critical issues, including the Population Health Framework, updates to non-residential charging guidance, and the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill.
A Cross-sector Approach to Population Health
one of the highlights of the meeting was a presentation by the Scottish Government on the Population Health Framework. This ambitious initiative aims to address the foundational elements of health and wellbeing through a collaborative, cross-government and cross-sector approach. “This is a significant piece of work that is taking a cross-government and cross-sector approach to improve the key building blocks of health and wellbeing in Scotland,” the Board noted.
The framework underscores the importance of addressing health disparities and fostering equitable access to care across Scotland. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, the initiative seeks to create a healthier, more resilient population.
Non-Residential Charging Guidance: Ensuring Fairness and Consistency
Another key topic was the approval of the non-residential charging guidance for 2025/26. this guidance is designed to help local authorities develop consistent charging policies for non-residential care services. Councillor Kelly emphasized its significance, stating, “This guidance supports local authorities to develop consistent local charging policies and so is an important mechanism in ensuring that service users receive fair and equitable care wherever they are in the country, while allowing for legitimate variation according to local need.”
The updated guidance aims to balance fairness with flexibility, ensuring that care services are accessible to all while accommodating regional differences in need and resources.
A Year of Reform and Improvement
2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for social care reform in Scotland. Councillor kelly highlighted the Board’s commitment to driving meaningful change, saying, “This is an especially critically important year for social care, and I welcome the commitment that members continue to express on supporting the reform and improvement of social care across all spheres of government.”
the Board also discussed the development of a COSLA manifesto, which will outline the organization’s priorities and vision for the future of health and social care in Scotland. Additionally, members reviewed written evidence on the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill, further emphasizing the Board’s focus on addressing critical public health issues.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting
| Topic | Key Points |
|————————————|——————————————————————————-|
| Population health Framework | Cross-sector approach to improving health and wellbeing in Scotland.|
| Non-residential Charging Guidance | Ensures fair and consistent care services across local authorities. |
| Social Care Reform | Commitment to improving and reforming social care across all levels of government. |
| COSLA manifesto | Development of a manifesto to outline priorities for health and social care. |
| right to Addiction Recovery Bill | Review of written evidence to support addiction recovery efforts. |
Looking Ahead
The COSLA Health and Social Care Board has set a clear agenda for 2025, focusing on collaboration, equity, and innovation. As Councillor Kelly aptly put it, “The first Board meeting always sets the tone for the year, and it was great to begin 2025 with such productive and action-focused discussions.”
To learn more about how COSLA’s governance structures work and how decisions are made, visit their official website.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Board continues to drive progress in Scotland’s health and social care sectors.
As Scotland steps into 2025, the COSLA health and Social Care Board has set the stage for a year of important reform and innovation in the health and social care sectors. Chaired by Councillor Paul Kelly, the Board’s first meeting of the year tackled critical issues such as the Population Health Framework, updates to non-residential charging guidance, and the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill. to delve deeper into these developments, we spoke with Dr. Fiona McAllister,a leading expert in public health policy and social care reform,to gain insights into what these initiatives mean for Scotland’s future.
A Cross-Sector Approach to Population Health
Senior editor: Dr. McAllister, one of the key highlights from the COSLA Board meeting was the discussion on the Population Health Framework. Can you explain what this initiative entails and why it’s so significant?
Dr. Fiona McAllister: Absolutely. The Population Health Framework is a complete strategy that aims to address the foundational elements of health and wellbeing through a collaborative, cross-government and cross-sector approach. It’s not just about healthcare in the customary sense; it’s about tackling the social determinants of health—things like housing, education, and employment—that profoundly impact people’s lives. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, this framework seeks to reduce health disparities and create a healthier, more resilient population across Scotland.
Senior editor: And how does this framework align with broader public health goals in Scotland?
Dr. Fiona McAllister: It’s very much in line with scotland’s commitment to health equity. The framework emphasizes addressing the root causes of health inequalities, which is crucial for ensuring that everyone, nonetheless of their background or where they live, has the chance to lead a healthy life.It’s a proactive approach that shifts the focus from treating illness to fostering wellbeing, which is key to reducing the long-term burden on health and social care systems.
Non-Residential Charging Guidance: Ensuring Fairness and Consistency
Senior editor: Another critical topic at the meeting was the updated non-residential charging guidance for 2025/26. What are the main goals of this guidance, and how will it impact service users?
Dr.Fiona McAllister: The updated guidance is designed to help local authorities develop consistent charging policies for non-residential care services. This is incredibly significant because it ensures that people across Scotland receive fair and equitable care, regardless of where they live. It also allows for legitimate variation based on local needs and resources, which is essential for addressing the diverse challenges faced by different communities.
Senior Editor: How does this guidance balance fairness with versatility?
Dr.Fiona McAllister: It strikes a careful balance by setting clear principles for charging, such as ensuring affordability and transparency, while also giving local authorities the flexibility to adapt policies to their specific contexts. This ensures that care services remain accessible to all,while still accommodating regional differences.
Senior Editor: 2025 is being heralded as a pivotal year for social care reform in Scotland. What reforms are being prioritized, and how do they align with the COSLA Board’s vision?
Dr.Fiona McAllister: The COSLA Board is committed to driving meaningful change across all levels of government. This includes improving the quality of care, increasing accessibility, and ensuring that social care services are sustainable in the long term.The Board also discussed the development of a COSLA manifesto, which will outline their priorities and vision for the future. This manifesto is expected to play a key role in shaping policy and practice in the years to come.
senior Editor: You mentioned the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill. How does this fit into the broader agenda for 2025?
Dr. Fiona McAllister: The Bill is a critical part of addressing public health challenges, particularly around addiction. By reviewing written evidence and supporting addiction recovery efforts, the COSLA Board is emphasizing the importance of a compassionate, evidence-based approach to addiction. This aligns with the broader goal of creating a healthier, more equitable society.
Looking Ahead: Collaboration and Innovation in 2025
Senior Editor: As we look ahead, what key takeaways would you highlight from the COSLA Board’s first meeting of 2025?
Dr. Fiona McAllister: The meeting set a clear agenda for the year, focusing on collaboration, equity, and innovation. The Board’s commitment to driving transformative change in health and social care is evident, and the emphasis on cross-sector approaches is particularly promising. As Councillor Kelly noted, it’s a strong start to what looks to be a truly pivotal year for Scotland’s health and social care sectors.
