Scotland\u2019s 32 councils could be replaced by as few as six regional authorities, the government has suggested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Scottish Government writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 Under proposals for a new two-tier system, the regional bodies would focus on major issues such as education and economic growth. Between 120 and 160 community authorities would also be created. They would be expected to contribute to local issues such as licensing and town centre improvements. The reforms have been shared with Holyrood’s committees and council umbrella body Cosla ahead of a public consultation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2026 The Programme for Government set out a clear necessity for public service reform at the heart of the Government\u2019s ambitions. Our aims for reforms are to rewire the state to help improve the delivery of public services and maximise the efficient use of public spending. The case for change is pressing and urgent, requiring public services that are modern, responsive, and person-centred. Put simply, we want to deliver improved services, rather than simply preserve the existing local governance architecture. As part of our reform ambitions the Government committed to engaging intensively with partners in relation to reform of local governance. Our aim is to find as much common ground as is possible and reach a shared direction before the end of this year about solutions so that we can move from debate to implementation, with early decisions informing the next Scottish Budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Government enters this dialogue with an open mind; we do not seek to be prescriptive at this stage. However the Government recognises the need to aid discussions by setting out an initial proposition. There have been extensive discussions about reform and change over recent years, and a number of initiatives led by existing local authorities themselves. Following engagement with representatives of local government in Scotland, we are outlining in this paper the nature of fundamental reform the Government wants to consider in order to support this intensive period of dialogue and help to reach initial conclusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This paper is intended to be a starting point to facilitate debate and discussion with the objective of establishing a measure of shared agreement about the scale and the broad shape that reform could take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n