Scotland proposes cutting councils, creating regional authorities and higher councillor pay

Scotland's 32 councils could be merged into between six and ten mainland regional authorities, according to a consultation paper released by the Scottish government. The new regions would take on selected housing, planning and transport functions currently managed by Holyrood, while a network of 120-160 community authorities would retain grassroots decision-making. Councillors would be elected to the same wards but would sit on both the community and regional bodies, and the plan calls for increased remuneration to reflect the dual mandate.

The restructuring is a centerpiece of Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth’s public-sector reform agenda, which seeks to cut spending and address a projected £2 billion shortfall by the decade’s end. The proposals also envision expanded roles for regional authorities in economic development and business support, working alongside bodies such as More Homes Scotland and Transport Scotland. Separate arrangements are expected for Scotland’s island communities.