Cosla Condemns Escalating 'Toxic Online Behaviour' as Councillors Face Abuse During Budget Setting
The president of Scotland's council umbrella body, Cosla, has issued a forceful condemnation of what she describes as a significant increase in 'toxic online behaviour' and abuse directed at elected councillors. Shona Morrison made the intervention on Friday 20 February 2026, highlighting that this surge in hostility coincides with the critical period when local authorities are working to set their annual budgets.
Abuse Intensifies During Financial Decision-Making
In a detailed statement, Morrison expressed deep concern about the growing levels of intimidation and harassment targeting Scotland's elected members. She specifically noted that this toxic behaviour has become particularly pronounced in the wake of councils determining their budgets and establishing council tax levels for the coming financial year.
"Cosla is concerned to see increasing levels of toxic online behaviour and abuse directed towards Scotland's elected members, particularly in the wake of councils setting their budgets and council tax levels for the year," Morrison stated emphatically.
Councillors as Dedicated Public Servants
Morrison strongly defended councillors across Scotland, describing them as "dedicated public servants carrying out their democratic duties on behalf of their communities." She insisted that these elected representatives deserve to perform their vital roles without facing intimidation, harassment, or personal attacks.
The Cosla president elaborated on the challenging nature of budget decisions, explaining that these determinations are made locally, transparently, and with considerable care by councillors who genuinely have their communities' best interests at heart. She emphasised that these officials work tirelessly to protect essential local services despite operating under severe financial constraints.
Call for Respectful Engagement in Democratic Process
While acknowledging that public debate and scrutiny are essential components of a healthy democracy, Morrison drew a clear distinction between legitimate discussion and unacceptable behaviour. "Public debate and scrutiny are vital components of our democracy but abuse, intimidation, and targeted harassment have no place in that discussion," she asserted.
Cosla is now urging all individuals and organisations to engage respectfully with the democratic process. The organisation specifically calls for recognition that councillors are making incredibly difficult decisions as they work to safeguard essential local services within what remains an extremely challenging national funding landscape.
Building Trust in Fractured Times
Morrison concluded with a broader reflection on the state of public discourse, noting that "in a world that feels increasingly fractured, building trust in our democracy is rooted in how we treat each other." To that end, Cosla welcomes robust and open debate and discussion while insisting that such exchanges must remain respectful.
The intervention comes at a sensitive time for local government across Scotland, with councils facing difficult choices about service provision and taxation amid ongoing financial pressures. The increased abuse directed at those making these decisions has raised serious concerns about the health of local democracy and the working environment for elected representatives.
