Cosla has said the Scottish Government’s plans to reform local government have left “more questions than answers”.
The comments come after the Scottish Government released proposals on Monday that suggested Scotland’s current 32-council structure could be scrapped and replaced with a two-tier system of regional and more local bodies.
The 1,800-word paper suggested replacing the current structure with between six and 10 regional authorities, which could be given powers over larger planning decisions, education and economic development, and between 120 and 160 more local “community” authorities, which would control local planning decisions, licensing and the historic environment.
Following a meeting of Cosla leaders on Friday, Councillor Shona Morrison said it is vital the reforms are based on “sound evidence”.
Ms Morrison said: “The Scottish Government’s proposals leave more questions than answers.
If local government is to be reformed, it must be about bringing decisions closer to communities, improving local democracy and delivering better outcomes for all
“It is vital that reforms are based on sound evidence and that meaningful engagement takes place.
“For that reason, Cosla will participate fully in this period of dialogue to shape the future of local democracy in Scotland.
“If local government is to be reformed, it must be about bringing decisions closer to communities, improving local democracy and delivering better outcomes for all.
“Significant changes like this must be agreed between Scottish Government and local government and not imposed from the top down.”
The paper also suggested that responsibilities currently held by one of Scotland’s roughly 130 public bodies could be given to either of the authorities.
Separate set-ups for Scotland’s islands would also be required, according to the paper.
Cosla have also called for “strong evidence” for any significant changes.
Ms Morrison continued: “Communities must be at the heart of reform.
“Cosla leaders are clear that communities and vital staff delivering services day in, day out must meaningfully inform the future of local services.
“While we all agree on the need for reform, this will not work if it is imposed on councils and the communities they serve so we are calling for ministers to commit that any changes will be implemented only through agreement with existing local authorities.
“This will be an important message to send ahead of next year’s local council elections.
“As councils continue to deliver vital services, it is vital Scottish Government works with Cosla to bring clarity to these questions and act on sound evidence.”
Speaking on Monday, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said that the paper was a “starting point” for discussion.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We welcome the fact that Cosla leaders will participate in engagement about the proposed changes to local government and that they recognise the underlying need for change.
“We have been clear that meaningful change will need to happen in collaboration with local government partners and the Scottish Government is committed to broad and inclusive dialogue on the proposals for reform. This will involve a wide range of bodies across the public sector.
“The focus on frontline delivery is at the heart of these proposals, to help empower communities and deliver real improvements in public services.
“Some decision-making is best delivered at national level, some at a regional level and others closer to communities – we must get that balance right.”