Scotland's 32 councils could be replaced by between six and ten regional authorities under proposals unveiled by the Scottish Government, marking one of the most significant restructurings of local democracy in decades.
The regional bodies would assume responsibility for major policy areas including education, economic development and strategic planning decisions. Beneath them, between 120 and 160 community authorities would handle local matters such as planning applications, licensing decisions and heritage protection.
The proposals have been shared with Holyrood's committees and Cosla, the council umbrella body, ahead of a public consultation. According to officials who briefed Parliament on 9 September, the government has begun a three-month engagement period to shape the future of regional and community governance.
This reform sits within a broader restructuring of Scotland's public sector. The government has already announced plans to reduce NHS health boards from 14 to two, and is now applying similar consolidation logic to local government, which currently operates through 32 separate councils.
How would the new structure work?
Under the model, councillors would be elected to existing wards across Scotland and serve on both community and regional authorities simultaneously. The paper acknowledges that this increased time commitment may require enhanced remuneration for elected members.
Special arrangements would be required for Scotland's island communities to reflect their distinct geography and needs. The regional authorities would gain expanded powers over economic development and business support, allowing individual areas to tailor services to local strengths and opportunities.
What does the government say about the rationale?
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth stated:
We need to ensure investment is focused on frontline delivery, with the right staff in the right roles to empower communities and deliver real improvements in public services.
She continued:
Existing local government responsibilities could also be extended, including enhanced roles in economic development and business support so that individual areas can reflect local strengths and ambitions.
Gilruth described the proposals as
intended to provide a starting point to facilitate debate and discussion as we work to deliver reforms that strengthen public services and improve outcomes for the people and communities we serve.
The First Minister's Programme for Government speech emphasised that reform should create stronger and more strategic regions with new powers over economic levers.
What is the timeline for reform?
The government has committed to achieving a shared direction for reform by the end of 2026, following the current three-month engagement period. Implementation routes and shadow arrangements will be refined with local government and health partners over 2026-27, with early decisions and progress expected before the first Budget of this Parliament.
How does this fit into wider public-sector reform?
This local government overhaul is part of a comprehensive restructuring of Scotland's public institutions. In September, First Minister John Swinney pledged that plans to reduce NHS health boards would not result in compulsory redundancies, despite inevitable job losses. He also committed that Scots would not face longer journeys to access healthcare under the new arrangements.
The government has signalled it will support single authority models where relevant, alongside locally led regional arrangements and community decision-making pathways. The Accounts Commission has noted that the government is considering a Local Democracy Bill and a three-phase reform approach covering legislation, governance design, funding reform and community capacity.
What funding context surrounds this reform?
Local government funding for 2026-27 stands at almost £15.7 billion, described in Parliament as record funding. However, Scotland's councils have faced significant budget pressures, with many reporting shortfalls in recent years. The restructuring is intended to improve efficiency and ensure resources are directed toward frontline services.
Key facts
- The proposal would reduce Scotland's 32 councils to between 6 and 10 regional authorities, with 120-160 community authorities handling local issues
- Regional bodies would control education, economic development and major planning decisions
- The government aims to reach a shared direction on reform by the end of 2026 following a three-month engagement period
- Special arrangements would be required for island communities
- Councillors would serve on both community and regional authorities, potentially requiring increased pay
