Scottish local leaders oppose plan to replace 32 councils

The Scottish Government has proposed a radical overhaul of local governance, suggesting that Scotland’s current 32 local authorities be replaced by a two-tier system. Under the proposal, between six and ten regional authorities would handle strategic decision-making, including education, economic development, and large-scale planning. These regional bodies would also oversee services such as waste management and early learning.

To manage local matters, the plan suggests creating between 120 and 160 community authorities. These smaller entities would focus on local planning, town centre regeneration, licensing, and the historic environment.

Local leaders have expressed strong opposition to the plan. Lawrence Fitzpatrick, leader of West Lothian Council, described the proposals as a “power grab” and “utter nonsense” that would strip democracy from local communities. Similarly, Norman Hampshire, leader of East Lothian Council, criticized the lack of a concrete plan, stating the figures seemed to be “plucked out of thin air.” He warned that destroying the current structure could be a “complete disaster.”

The proposals have been shared with Holyrood’s committees and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA) ahead of a three-month public consultation period.