The next Scottish government must fund councils “fairly and sustainably” to help tackle poverty, local authority leaders have said.

Cosla argued improved funding could see more investment in programmes which help people maximise their income and claim all the support they are entitled too.

The organisation made the plea in a new paper which argues Scotland could move from “mitigating poverty to preventing it”.

Cosla, which represents all 32 of Scotland’s councils, said for the country to “take a major step towards long-term poverty prevention, it is crucial that local government and Scottish government should work together”.

It stressed the need to “fund councils fairly and sustainably so they can invest in local income maximisation and advice programmes”.

The council body also called for a focus on “proportionate universalism” – which it said would mean universal local services, such as libraries and advice services, could “tailor support at a scale appropriate to need”.

Cosla further added that changes should be made to ensure people can better understand what support they are entitled to and access this easily.

It went on to suggest multi-year funding from the Scottish government would give councils “certainty” so they can “confidently invest in prevention”.

Its report said funding should “recognise the needs of single adults, not only families with children, as poverty affects individuals at all stages of life”.

Cosla community wellbeing spokeswoman Maureen Chalmers said: “Local government is at the frontline of tackling poverty, every day we are working to boost incomes and minimise costs for our communities.

“Together, the steps we are proposing today can move Scotland from mitigating poverty to preventing it.”

Children and young person spokesman Tony Buchanan added: “We’re calling for whole‑family, community‑centred support, a balance between universal and targeted provision, and flexible long‑term funding so councils can build on the vital work they already undertake to tackle poverty in their communities.

“This white paper provides a new framework for delivering meaningful change and reducing poverty for the long term.”