At a special meeting of Full Council today (Monday 2 November), councillors agreed a position focussed on improving outcomes, protecting local accountability and strengthening community decision-making.
As part of the position, councillors agreed that the current Dumfries and Galloway region – already one of Scotland’s largest council areas geographically – would be appropriate for any future regional authority.
Its large and diverse rural geography, and the significant travel distances between communities, mean extending the area further could create additional challenges for delivering services.
The position builds on principles agreed by Full Council in September. These state that the key test for reform must be whether it improves outcomes for people and supports the Council Plan without weakening local accountability, community identity or responsiveness to local needs.
Members also supported increased decision-making at community level, backed by appropriate powers, funding and accountability. The council’s four existing Area Committees could provide the basis for any future community authorities.
Councillor Tracey Little, Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said:
“Public service reform must be judged by whether it improves services and outcomes for the people and communities of Dumfries and Galloway.
“Our region already covers a large and diverse rural area, with significant distances between communities. Councillors have agreed that the current Dumfries and Galloway region would be appropriate for any future regional authority.
“We also want communities to have a stronger voice in the decisions that affect them. That must involve meaningful local decision-making, supported by the powers and funding needed to make it effective.
“We will continue to engage constructively with the Scottish Government. Throughout that process, we will make the case for reform that protects local accountability, recognises the particular needs of our region and keeps communities at the heart of public services.”
Councillors also supported a flexible approach to economic partnerships, recognising Dumfries and Galloway’s important links with the Scottish Borders, Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, North Cumbria and Northern Ireland. This approach distinguishes the arrangements needed to deliver public services from the wider partnerships needed to support economic growth, transport, education, skills and investment.
Councillors agreed that reform must not result in the centralisation of services, jobs or decision-making. The position also calls for the implications for the public service workforce to be properly considered and for effective engagement with trade unions and partners as proposals develop.
Further discussion will be needed about the powers and responsibilities that could sit at regional and community levels. The council is also seeking further information about the reform of central government and national public bodies.
Importantly, the agreed position does not endorse a specific model of reform and recognises that further information will be needed as the Scottish Government’s proposals develop. It will now be submitted to the Scottish Government and will guide the council’s continuing engagement on public service reform.
You can read the report that was discussed at the special meeting here: Agenda for Dumfries and Galloway Council on Monday, 2nd November, 2026, 1.00 pm | Dumfries and Galloway Council