SNP must swap centralisation for reform to improve public services

Responding to comments made by the Auditor General for Scotland, Stephen Boyle, that the SNP have failed to make the necessary “fundamental changes” to the delivery of public services, Scottish Liberal Democrat public service reform spokesperson David Green MSP said:

“Instead of reforming public services, the SNP have ploughed ahead with centralising them.

“The centralisation of bodies like Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have failed to deliver many of the benefits that were promised.

“It has also been extremely harmful to local communities across the country, which now have less control over decisions that directly affect their area.

"What's more, the decision to the scrap the medium-term financial strategy is symbolic of a government that doesn't really know where it is going.

“Real reform should push power closer to communities and deliver excellent value for money, neither of which the SNP are known for. That’s how we can make sure people across Scotland can access great public services, from a thriving health service to good schools and reliable ferries.”