The Scottish Government has published a short paper with which it wishes to start off debate about the reform of public services in Scotland.
The paper states that some services are best managed at a national level, some at a regional level, and others much more locally.
The Government’s opening proposition for discussion is that our current local government arrangements are replaced with a smaller number (6 to 10) of regional authorities focussing on strategic decision-making, with a substantial number (120-160) of community authorities focused on local decision-making. While there may be a general model in most cases, recognising their unique status and needs, our proposition is that this would sit alongside bespoke solutions for island communities.
Currently Scotland has 32 local authorities, and 14 regional health boards. Local councils provide a wide range of services, most importantly for Education, and social care. Orkney is the smallest local authority in terms of population ( 22,540 people ) and the smallest in area is Dundee (60 square kilometers). The largest, in terms of population is Glasgow (635,130 people) and by geographical area, Highland (25,659 square kilometres).
There are also Community Councils and Development Trusts, etc – all which deliver some form of service within a defined area, and have representatives elected to them.
The Scottish Government has already announced plans to reform the administration of the National Health Service.
The Scottish Government’s paper proposes community and regional strands of local government with councillors continuing to be elected at ward level who would sit on both.
Regional Authorities :
- an enhanced role in regional economic development and business support – housing, planning, economic development, employment, transport etc – all with a link with national organisations/departments.
- core services: waste and cleansing; civil defence, resilience and response, provision of regulatory services; early learning and education – with links to national organisations/departments
Community Authorities :
- householder planning applications, community planning, licensing decisions, management of the historic environment and open space and greenspace, the regeneration of local town centres and the provision and maintenance of local leisure, sport and culture facilities.
The scope of functions and design of Island Single Authority Models will be pursued in dialogue with those communities, which may vary by Islands to recognise their unique circumstances as part of any reform process.
The aim, according to the Scottish Government’s proposal, will ” mean decisions are taken closer to people where that could improve local outcomes, on the services and functions most appropriate. “
For councillors representing at both a community and regional level it would mean an increase in pay.
Running alongside all of this is the Scottish Government’s plans to reform the delivery of social care (see above their plans for the reform of NHS Boards) to which they have committed the next 3 months to engage with all those concerned in those services.
The proposals as set out above are not clearly defined, especially so when it comes to Island Authorities – with just a vague hint that separate proposals may be brought forward for those.
Click on this link for the Scottish Government proposals: National renewal through public sector reform – a proposal for reform of local governance
The proposals are being considered by COSLA (the body which represents local authorities) and with committees in the Scottish Parliament.
Deputy First Minister in the Scottish Government Jenny Gilruth said:
“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.”
Have we been here before? If so, will it be different this time? And key questions over funding; where will actual decision making and power lie; will Islands have more autonomy; and crucially will public services be better?
Fiona Grahame
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