Laura Sharman 22 May 2012

Think-tank calls for ‘fewer but stronger’ councils in Scotland

Scotland should have less councils that have greater powers, according to think-tank Reform Scotland.

Reform Scotland has called for the number of councils in Scotland to be reduced from 32 to 19, and proposes the abolition of 14 health boards and eight police boards with their functions handed to councils.

The think-tank argues that these proposals - in response to the poor turnout at this month’s local elections – would ‘bring power closer to the people’. In its Renewing Local Government report, Reform Scotland also proposes the election of mayors and the devolution of local taxes.

Reform Scotland’s chairman Ben Thomson said: ‘It is clear that, for whatever reason, a great number of people find the existence of 32 councils to be unpalatable. It is certainly the case that there is too much confusion caused by the inconsistent number of councils, police boards and health boards, and by making these boundaries the same and making local authorities more responsible for these essential services we will take a big step in the right direction.

‘Britain is a heavily centralised nation. Devolution has been limited, and it has stopped at Holyrood. Indeed, the Scottish Parliament has reversed devolution by sucking up Council powers. This has to stop. For Scotland’s good, we’re calling on everyone to work together to renew local government.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Activites Assistants (CASUAL)

Durham County Council
£24,404 (12.65 p.a. hour) - £25,183 (£13.05 p.a. hour)
This is an exciting opportunity for Casual Activities Assistants to join our Leisure and Sport Service.   Leisure Centres are
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pension Administration Officer

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 p.a. (Grade 3) Pay award pending
A vacancy has arisen within Pension Services for an Administration Officer to provide admin and data support to the pensions team and members of the L Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

County Attendance Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
We are seeking to recruit to the role of County Attendance Officer on a permanent basis to work predominately across the North or the South of the county. The team works across the whole of Oxfordshire so flexibility to work in other areas is also require County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Software Engineer Starter

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914
We're looking for an exceptional human to join our digital team to learn the skills and put them into practice, designing, developing and maintaining websites, mobile apps & AI. You'll join us on our journey as we create better end-to-end services for our Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Executive Director - Growth, Enterprise and Environment

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
£139,111.00 (pay award pending)
This is a chance to make a significant difference to the lives of families across our borough – and to seriously improve your quality of life. Redcar and Cleveland House, Kirkleatham Street, Redcar, TS10 1RT
Recuriter: Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
Linkedin Banner