Councils raise serious concerns over moving social care under NHS control

COSLA warns the plans could affect community support, after the First Minister announced major health reforms.

Daily Alba · 2 October 2026 · 2 min read

Illustrative image of a home kitchen with a walking frame and pill organiser. Illustrative image, not a photograph of the reported event.

Scotland’s councils have raised serious concerns about Scottish Government plans to move social care under NHS control, STV News reports.

The plans

In his Programme for Government, First Minister John Swinney announced the most significant structural reform of the NHS since devolution, including replacing 14 territorial health boards with two strategic boards for the west and east.

Councils’ view

COSLA health spokesperson Paul Kelly said social work and social care are about supporting the whole person to live a full life in the community.

Delayed discharge

The First Minister argues that giving the NHS the levers over care will reduce the number of people stuck in hospital waiting for care packages.

Source & attribution: This original report is based on STV News, published 2 October 2026. This is not independent on-the-ground reporting.

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Councils raise serious concerns over moving social care under NHS control

The plans

Councils’ view

Delayed discharge

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