Former local authority chief executives are sounding the alarm as they claim that Holyrood has become Scotland’s largest council, with power increasingly centralized in Edinburgh. The Mercat Group, along with Reform Scotland, is calling for a Scottish Civic Convention to reevaluate how public services in Scotland are organized, delivered, and financed.
Former Chiefs Concerns
In a recent blog post, Bill Howat, former Chief Executive of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, highlighted the proliferation of public service agencies with overlapping responsibilities. This has led to a complicated system with duplication, lack of focus, and difficulty coordinating policy. Mr. Howat criticized the centralizing tendencies of the government, pointing to the National Care Service plans that faced opposition from various groups.
Call for Change
Mr. Howat emphasized the need to revisit and reset the organization of public services in Scotland. He proposed creating a Scottish Civic Convention to facilitate public conversations and develop a transition plan for decision-making at the local level. Chris Deerin, Director of Reform Scotland, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of empowering local government and decentralizing decision-making processes.
Government Response
In response to these concerns, a Scottish Government spokesperson acknowledged the need for more coordinated actions and less duplication in public sector reform. The government is committed to working with various partners, including public bodies and local government, to deliver real change and improve the efficiency of public services in Scotland.
As Scotland approaches the 25th anniversary of devolution, the debate over the distribution of power and resources between Holyrood and local authorities continues to intensify. The call for a Scottish Civic Convention signifies a growing consensus among former chiefs and think tanks that a reevaluation of the devolution project is necessary to ensure effective governance and democratic accountability at all levels. Will this push for decentralization spark a new era of local empowerment in Scotland, or will centralization remain the status quo? Only time will tell.
