Reform Scotland

Blueprint for Local Power

Blueprint for Local Power

In “Blueprint for Local Power”, Reform Scotland calls for a new constitutional relationship between local and central government, governed by a new piece of legislation which recognises the importance of local government to democracy and the operation of public services. It proposes the new constitutional relationship is based on three clear principles:

  • Local authorities will be responsible for all areas not specifically reserved to Holyrood – this is the same principle which governs the relationship between Westminster and Holyrood
  • Tasks should be carried out at the lowest level practical – the principle of subsidiarity, which would replace uniformity and drive forward on-the-ground innovation

  • Local authorities would provide clear and transparent information on their activities to ensure proper local accountability.

In the Blueprint for Local Power, Reform Scotland also calls for councils to be given the responsibilities of quangos wherever possible, and to have complete control over the type and level of taxes levied on local residents.