Council Leaders today called for the Scottish Government to work with councils on future reforms to local services. COSLA agreed a vision for public service reform to challenge the assumption that structures alone are the answer, arguing instead for evidence-led reform focused on improving outcomes for people, communities and places.
Scotland's public services face significant challenges. Demand is increasing, finances are under pressure, inequalities persist, and communities rightly expect services that are responsive, sustainable and accountable.
COSLA is clear that change in our public services is needed. But reform must also be done at a pace that allows meaningful and considered engagement.
COSLA President, Cllr Shona Morrison, said:
"The Scottish Government's proposals and approach to engagement need a rethink. Council Leaders were clear today – we are calling for reform to be done in a way that allows meaningful, broad and considered engagement and for this to be done with COSLA.
"Scotland’s public services need reform, but successful reform must start by asking what outcomes people want for their communities, not by assuming that any particular organisational model is the answer. We also cannot lose sight of the fact local government has borne the brunt of funding cuts over recent years.
"Some services may be better planned delivered at a different scale and other parts of the public sector must come into this. Everything should be on the table - not just local government. What matters is whether change improves outcomes, strengthens accountability and delivers the most impact for public money."
The Local Government vision agreed today is built around the principle of "local by default, regional where it adds value, and national where necessary." Decisions should be taken as close as possible to the people affected, whilst recognising that some functions can be delivered more effectively through regional or national arrangements where there is a clear evidence base for doing so.
The vision calls for reform that:
- Improves outcomes rather than simply redesigning institutions.
- Strengthens local democracy and truly enables community empowerment.
- Supports collaboration where it delivers clear benefits.
- Aligns funding, powers and accountability (including a reform of local taxation).
- Applies across the whole public sector, including national agencies and public bodies.
- Creates the conditions for prevention, innovation and long-term sustainability.
Long-term financial sustainability, workforce capacity, community empowerment and clearer accountability are all required for successful reform. Structural change is just one consideration.
We have shared this vision today with the First Minister, and at a time when there are discussions around further devolution of powers, we are also pressing for greater devolution of powers from national to a local level so that more decisions can be made with the communities they may affect.
Next week, the vision will be discussed with the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform, seeking agreement on the principles that should guide the next phase of reform.
Many of the immediate pressures facing services stem from funding constraints, rising demand and workforce shortages rather than organisational structures. It is for that reason that we cannot separate this from the upcoming Scottish budget and urge Scottish Government to deliver a fair settlement for Local Government.
COSLA’s Vice President, Steven Heddle, said:
"Next week's discussions are an opportunity to build consensus on a shared way forward.
We need reform that empowers communities, trusts and supports local democracy and focuses primarily on improving outcomes. At the same time, we must address the real pressures facing services today through a sustainable funding settlement and support for the workforce.
Structures matter, but they are not the end in themselves. The test of any reform must be simple: will it improve people's lives?"
NOTES: Local Government’s Vision and Approach for Public Service Reform - COSLA PSR Position Statement
