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Simplifying public services
30/01/2008
In a statement to Parliament today, First Minister Alex Salmond set out plans to abolish or merge 52 bodies - reducing the number of national public organisations in Scotland to 121 within the lifetime of this Parliament - the lowest number since before devolution.
The decrease encompasses a reduction of 35 bodies already announced by this government, and a further 17 as a consequence of today's statement.
The plans build on the Government's drive to have fewer, better structured national public bodies, and transparent and clear decision-making.
The reforms exceed the First Minister's pledge to reduce the number of national public organisations by 25 per cent.
In October 2007 there were 199 public bodies. Today's proposals will result in a reduction of 26 per cent (52 bodies) - rising to 39 per cent if the abolition of Justice of the Peace Advisory Committees is included: a commitment from the previous administration, and implemented by this Government in December 2007.
Further reforms of scrutiny, and complaints organisations, tribunals and other strands of work will further reduce this number.
The First Minister said:
"Our institutional structures are far too complex for a country and an economy of five million people. The reforms I have announced today reflect this and take a significant step forward in simplifying government, to drive efficiencies and increase productivity.
"The package will make a significant contribution to the efficiency gains of around £25 million required, under Efficient Government, from the bodies directly affected.
"Our drive for more effective government will, crucially, make it easier and quicker to deal with the public sector. If simpler, more effective government could raise the productivity of Scotland's private sector by just one per cent, the increased benefit to Scotland's economy would be around £800 million.
"We are committed to removing unnecessary burdens and bureaucracy on the public sector and enabling them to get on with the job in hand - delivering first class public services.
"Our work to shape and deliver a simpler and more effective government is ongoing. We are committed to achieving these necessary changes but also to honour our crucial commitment to no compulsory redundancies."
Finance Secretary John Swinney said:
"The health of Scotland's economy underpins all our priorities in Government.
"We are determined to give Scotland a competitive edge; through support for Scottish business; through raising the number of well paid and highly skilled jobs; through improving Scotland's connectivity and through greater support for the third sector. Creating a more effective public sector focused on creating the right conditions for increased sustainable economic growth is also central to the Government Economic Strategy.
"The reforms we are announcing today play a key part in delivering the customer focused and responsive public sector that supports business, speeds up decision making and provides the services that people need.
"We are ensuring that all levers of government are focused on delivering success."