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Local governance reform
Proposals outlined to shape consultation which puts communities at the heart of better public services.
Initial proposals designed to deliver fundamental reform of local governance have been set out to help shape the debate on improving public services.
The possible changes, if implemented, could help achieve a better balance of decision-making powers across the public sector to ensure investment is focused on delivering improved services.
Initial proposals – which have been shared with COSLA and Holyrood Committees – include:
- Replacing current local government arrangements with a smaller number of regional authorities to focus on strategic decision-making alongside a substantial number of community authorities with a focus on local decision-making
- Separate arrangements for island communities have been suggested in recognition of their particular needs
- Councillors sitting on both community authority and the associated regional authority to remove the need for a further layer of elections or additional tiers of bureaucracy
- Ensuring regional administrative corporate structures support both regional and community authorities
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said:
“Reforming Scotland’s public sector is about delivering the best public services for people across Scotland.
“We need to ensure investment is focused on frontline delivery, with the right staff in the right roles to empower communities and deliver real improvements in public services.
“Some decision making is best delivered at national level and regional level while others better sit closer to communities and we must get that balance right. Existing local government responsibilities could also be extended, including enhanced roles in economic development and business support so that individual areas can reflect local strengths and ambitions.
“These proposals are intended to provide a starting point to facilitate debate and discussion as we work to deliver reforms that strengthen public services and improve outcomes for the people and communities we serve.”
For people living in Scotland’s rural and island communities, public sector reform could help make services work together better and focus more on preventing problems before they arise. This could mean closer collaboration between councils, health services, emergency services and community organisations, making it easier for people to access the support they need. The reforms also aim to reduce unnecessary duplication and make better use of public funding by sharing resources and improving digital services.
However, it will be important that changes recognise the unique challenges faced by rural and island areas. Communities often experience higher costs of delivering services, longer travel distances, limited transport links and difficulties recruiting staff. While greater efficiency is important, local residents will want to ensure that reforms do not lead to services becoming more distant or less accessible.
Success will depend on giving communities a strong voice in decision-making and ensuring that services continue to reflect local needs and circumstances. If implemented well, the reforms could strengthen the long-term sustainability of public services while supporting resilient and thriving rural and island communities.
The proposals have been shared with the conveners of the Social Justice, Housing and Local Government Committee, the Public Service Reform Committee and the Finance and Public Administration Committee.
Proposal for reform of local governance
Pic credit: Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth visits staff at NHS Fife Hospital at Home hub, SG Flickr
