Latest News
Find out what is happening at In Control Scotland and other related news about self-directed support
What's New
Joint Letter to Ministers re: Local Government Settlement
In December, alongside Social Work Scotland and Coalition of Carers in Scotland, we signed a joint letter to Scottish Government Ministers urging them to prioritise social care in their budget decisions for next year.
The letter sets out the urgent case for protecting and strengthening social care funding in the 2026 local government settlements. Drawing on frontline experience from disabled people, unpaid carers, social work and independent support, it calls on national and local leaders to invest in Self-Directed Support, prevention and the workforce – highlighting how these choices will shape lives, communities and Scotland’s future.
Our Manifesto
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As Scotland prepares for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, In Control Scotland is calling for bold, compassionate action to transform our system of social care support. Our manifesto sets out a clear vision: a Scotland where disabled people, unpaid carers, and communities experience rights not just as promises, but as lived realities.
​We believe that everyone should have the freedom, dignity, and support to live a good life. That means investing in people, valuing our workforce, shifting power to those with lived experience, and strengthening the communities that hold us together.
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This manifesto is shaped by the voices of disabled people and carers across Scotland. It is a call to political leaders to commit to real change, putting choice, control, and community at the heart of our social care system.
Together, we can make rights a reality and build a fairer, more inclusive Scotland.
Our Manifesto:
We call on Scotland’s political representatives to commit to bold, person-led reform across five key areas:
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Make Rights a Reality
Guarantee the right to independent living, enforce accountability, and deliver on rights-based legislation that puts Self-Directed Support at the centre. -
Invest in Disabled People and Unpaid Carers
End social care charges, ensure flexible and fair funding, and raise living standards through income guarantees, accessible housing, and inclusive opportunities. -
Invest in Our Workforce
Provide fair pay, proper training, and recognition for social care staff, including Personal Assistants, and build a culture of trust and shared learning. -
Shift the Power
Ensure meaningful involvement of people with lived experience in decision-making, support effective coproduction, and make policies accessible to all. -
Invest in Communities
Fund and protect local projects that prevent crisis, foster inclusion, and strengthen the social fabric through long-term, community-led investment.
If you feel strongly about these issues too, we have included some questions that you can ask candidates when they ask for your vote.
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You must register to be able to vote in elections and referendums in Scotland and the UK. You can register to vote here:
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Other News
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Person Centred Planning Academy
We are thrilled to announce that In Control Scotland have been successful in securing funding from The Alliance Self Management Fund. This 3 year funding package will allow us to create a Person-Centred Planning Academy of disabled adults and unpaid carers to deliver person-centred plans for disabled young people.
Our 2025 cohort started in Spring 2025, and we are running courses again in 2026 and 2027. ​​
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