At a meeting of Full Council yesterday (Thursday 24 September), councillors considered what the proposals could mean for local decision-making and public services, and agreed how the council should engage with the Scottish Government as discussions develop.
The council also supported a number of principles and safeguards, which it believes should inform any future reforms.
Elected members agreed that the key test for any reform must be whether it improves delivery of the Council Plan’s priorities without weakening local accountability, community identity or responsiveness to local needs.
They also decided that Dumfries and Galloway Council should maintain a flexible partnership approach, recognising that different services may need to operate across different areas and that flexible partnerships are preferable to a fixed regional boundary.
The council further resolved that any strategic regional working should support delivery of the Council Plan and improve outcomes for local people where working at scale adds value.
Councillors also agreed that where strategic functions are delivered regionally, local services must remain locally accountable within Dumfries and Galloway.
Council Convener Councillor Tracey Little said:
“These are important and wide-ranging proposals with potentially significant implications for local governance and the future delivery of public services.
“Yesterday’s discussion has enabled elected members to identify the principles that should guide the council’s engagement as these proposals develop.
“Throughout this process, our focus must remain on what is best for Dumfries and Galloway and on ensuring that the needs of our communities and residents remain at the heart of any future decisions.
“We want to engage constructively with the Scottish Government and understand both the detail of its proposals and the evidence underpinning them.
“However, members have also made clear their concerns about the lack of clarity around the consultation process and the challenging timescales currently being proposed.
“As discussions continue, it is vital that councils are given the information, time and opportunity needed to participate fully and meaningfully in the process.”
Councillors also agreed that any future devolution of powers must be supported by appropriate funding and accountability arrangements.
They further agreed that any new governance arrangements should safeguard Dumfries and Galloway’s democratic identity and ensure the region is properly represented. Arrangements should also recognise rurality, distance and demographics, clearly report outcomes for the region and protect local decision-making.
And the Scottish Government’s consultation process should include realistic milestones and timescales, with further information provided as soon as possible to support effective engagement.
Councillors expressed disappointment at the lack of clarity surrounding the consultation process and concerns that the current timetable may not provide sufficient time for meaningful consideration of the proposals.
They also called on national government to publish its proposals for the reform of central government and clearly set out how it will consult on them.
The council will engage further with the Scottish Government, COSLA, SOLACE Scotland and local partners as more information becomes available.