High-quality services for local communities should be at the heart of proposed changes to local government and healthcare, according to comments by Council Leader Iain Nicolson at a meeting of Renfrewshire councillors today (Thurs 24 Sept).
Scottish Government recently set out their proposals as part of their Programme for Government to review the public sector landscape and number of public bodies including local councils and health and social care partnerships.
At a Renfrewshire Council meeting today, Council Leader Iain Nicolson said the delivery of services to Renfrewshire communities had to be at the heart of any changes and not just driven by the need to make savings.
Cllr Nicolson added:
The changes proposed have to focus on the services provided for our local communities. During Covid, it was the workforce of local government and local healthcare services who provided a lot of the support for our communities over that period, and a lot of services that people continue to rely on. So any changes have to be transparent and respond to the needs of communities. Going forward, it will be important we understand the information and proposals being put forward by Scottish Government so we can ensure Renfrewshire has a strong voice.
Councillors discussed arrangements for engagement with the Scottish Government proposals during their engagement period due to complete by the end of this year.