Far North MSP is sceptical about Ministers talk of empowering communities

Lib Dem MSP David Green warns the Scottish Government that his Far North constituents will “rightly stay sceptical until warm words are matched with action” amid local government reform plans to "empower communities".

Under the proposals, published this week, the government aims to slash the number of Scotland's local authorities from 32 councils down to between six and ten regional authorities.

The larger bodies would handle strategic decisions while up to 160 smaller community authorities would be responsible for more local issues – it was indicated that councillors would sit on both tiers.

It has been a long-held perception for many in Caithness, in Sutherland and in Ross that their constituency is sidelined by those in power in both Edinburgh and Inverness amid serious concerns about deteriorating public services.

The development in local government comes on the back of NHS reforms which Green fears will inaugurate a new era of centralisation as the SNP plans two giant health boards for the whole of Scotland.

David Green, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP said:

“Across the Highlands, centralisation is a lived experience. My constituents have watched power pulled steadily into Edinburgh, so they will rightly be sceptical about this government’s intent.”

“A one-size-fits-all culture, whether that is imposed from Edinburgh or Inverness, will never meet the needs of rural communities. While there are shared issues, there are also unique challenges in Caithness and Sutherland. Both counties continue to grapple with depopulation, while Inverness and its surrounding area are experiencing growth

"The test for real reform means handing budgets and powers back to communities, on planning, local services and the things that shape everyday life. It means ministers in Edinburgh giving up power of their own, not just redrawing lines on a map. Anything less is an expensive rebranding exercise."

ENDS.