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The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities has warned that services could face cuts unless the Scottish executive convenes urgent talks on the funding of new national standards for older people in care announced by health minister Susan Deacon.

Cosla supports the standards themselves, which end the distinction between nursing home and social care, guarantee the availability of single rooms to all residents, introduce a personal plan for every resident and other major changes.

But in a formal statement the convention revealed that during the consultation period it had urged the Scottish executive to hold discussions on the cost of introducing such standards, which have not yet taken place.

Cosla accepts that achieving the new standards will require staff to obtain additional training and new skills which have to be fully recognised and funded. Such progress comes at a price and Cosla is concerned that if such developments are not fully funded councils will be forced to cut back in other service areas.

Cosla’s social services and health improvement spokesperson, councillor Ronnie McColl, said: "It is vital that all additional costs are properly resourced by central government, which means they have to pick up the full tab."