Scotland's councils have warned that Government plans to integrate health and social care services could be a costly failure, and undermine democratic accountability.
Meanwhile, the body representing Scottish public spending experts has claimed there is no need to change the law.
Responses from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) and the Association of Directors of Social Work (ADSW) to a Government consultation for the proposals accept the principles in the Adult Health and Social Care Integration Bill.
Councillor Peter Johnston, Cosla's health and well-being spokesman said: "If some of our larger member councils find only three out of 70 or 80 councillors have a say over 20% of the council budget, then it simply doesn't offer the democratic representativeness the public rightly demand."
The call for a pause was echoed by Peter Macleod, president of ADSW. He said: "We cannot embark on a costly reorganisation without being sure it will lead to improved outcomes for older people. Structural reorganisation could hold us back – but that can be avoided by letting local partnerships determine and respond to local need."
Angela Scott, head of chartered institute of public finance and Accountancy Scotland, said: "Until an effective review of the existing legislation is undertaken we see no case for further primary legislation."
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