Ellie Ames 12 December 2024

Call to break up Scotland’s largest council

Call to break up Scotland’s largest council image
Image: Duncan Andison / Shutterstock.com

Highland Council members have called for the local authority, Scotland’s largest by geographical area, to be broken up.

They want to see a review into how the area could be served by smaller councils.

A motion to be considered today says the current governance arrangements were ‘forced upon’ the area nearly 30 years ago in ‘nothing more than an experiment’.

It adds: ‘No amount of good intentions and efforts from this chamber and council can realistically deliver the best for such a diverse population.’

The Highland Council serves a third of the land area of Scotland, including the most remote and sparsely populated parts of the UK.

The motion, signed by nine councillors, calls on the council to acknowledge ‘repeated’ statements made by Holyrood politicians that the area is too large.

It concludes: ‘This council agrees to take up offers made by several members of the Scottish Government and Parliament to seek a review into [how] a new local authority and/or governance arrangements would better serve the vast and wide range of needs of our Highland communities.’

If the motion is approved, the council leader will write to the Scottish Government about the proposals and establish a working group to capture members’ views.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner