Radical new council powers being drawn up
27 Oct 05
"Super council" model looks to extend local authority functions
Local authorities and the Scottish Executive are reported to be looking at radical new plans for council powers.
Groups of councillors, senior council officials and Executive civil servants are considering three possible models for council reform, according to today's Scotsman. The most radical option is that most or all local public services would come under the "primary governance" of a single elected body. Under this plan, so-called "super councils" would take control of primary healthcare, enterprise companies and housing in addition to existing local government services.
The second option would have several councils together providing services such as education. Under the third, councils would form joint ventures with other public bodies, for example tackling individual health-related issues along with NHS boards.